The Chimpanzees’ Tea Party: A New Metaphor for Project Managers

Authors: Drummond, Helga; Hodgson, Julia

Journal: Journal of Information Technology (2003)

DOI: 10.1080/0268396032000122123

<jats:p>This paper addresses the problem of information technology systems failure. It is argued that conventional approaches to project management assume that success depends upon imposing control. This paper invokes a novel metaphor, namely the chimpanzees’ tea party, for highlighting the limits of this assumption and showing how control-based approaches to project management can be counterproductive. Paradoxically, situations may arise where projects can be more effectively controlled by not attempting to impose control.</jats:p> <jats:p>Mind is the forerunner of everything. Mind is sovereign. All things are generated by mind.</jats:p> <jats:p>(Dhamnapadi, verse 1)</jats:p>

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