Strategy < Culture < Structure
The value of decentralization is nothing new - this is why the Apaches defeated the superior Spanish Army for centuries and why the VietCong (and later al-Qaida) gave the US a hard time, despite the clear US advantage of sophistication. However, after recently reading up on beginner-level physics, I found an interesting lens through which to expand on the concept of centralization of management.
The Future of Culture is Spiritual
In nature, the organisms which are the most resilient last the longest. When external factors change, these most vital organisms can maintain homeostasis; weaker organisms cannot and eventually become extinct. This is resilience.
Looking a little bit deeper at this biological concept and analogy reveals an exciting insight into ways we can shape our organizations to respond to changing external conditions.