Is Complex Network A Waste ?

The picture was posted in New York Time a few months ago. It shows a complex relationship and network structure in Afghanistan government system. Most of critics and public think the crucial part is the organizations in green. They have a close connection with American government and play more important role in management of the whole Afghanistan area. The rest organizations showed in the picture more focus on local safety and daily-operation management. Furthermore, too complex management structure may waste a lot of time and money. Someone thought the government only needs to deal with the big problems or issues, and canceled part of wasteful connections will help government work more effective and efficient.

This is happened in Afghanistan. In China and other developing countries, this situation happens frequently. But is it really a kind of waste? This question is hard to answer.

In the past, more intensive network around the core part means the more centralized control power in all organizations. This is another way to think about questions and problems. People pay more attentions on collaboration and harmony between people. In some project, good relationship and intensive connection could help the negotiation when necessary. More people willing to agree or take action to do something, more effective the project is. In China this is very common. So do other Asian countries which have the same value in society.

I couldn't say it doesn't waste anything. But based on different situation, especially sometimes we cannot see all factors, intensive network may not a bad thing in initial steps. As the book says "Relationship between free agents and nonprofit organizations can be mutually beneficial", all different groups in the network can benefit. Some invisible benefits behind the so-called "waste", such like good relationship, reputation, etc.