Is there a democratic model which is common to business, associations and cities ?

• Élisabeth BOURGUINAT
  Secretary, the association Accomplir
  
• Michel HERVÉ
  CEO, Hervé Thermique
  
• Christophe ASSENS
  Senior lecturer, University of Versailles-Saint-Quentin
  
• Alain d’IRIBARNE
  Research director, CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique : National Centre for Scientific Research)
  

Summary

In January 2006, Michel Hervé presented his company Hervé Thermique to the École de Paris. It is a company characterised by a simple hierarchical structure ; has methods for self-appraisal ; has objectives which the company fixes for itself ; has individuals who are self-educated, autonomous and responsible for their work ; is organised by group management ; has collective management of the rules ; believes in transparency ; and has a strong emphasis on communication. These characteristics create a company which functions 'democratically', according to Élisabeth Bourguinat. Alain d'Iribarne questions the use of this term since it is a family-run company. Is it possible to adapt the way this company works to organisations such as associations or town councils ? Surely, they are more likely to function democratically, but in practice are often thought not to follow their objectives ?

Summary translated from French by Rachel MARLIN.

• The entire article was written by Élisabeth BOURGUINAT.

To obtain this article, you can :

• download it in French (PDF help) using your password or contact ecopar@paris.ensmp.fr (Reference VC180506).

The entire article appears in French in the Journal de l'École de Paris du management N° 62.