Pirate Organization

A short history of piracy and capitalismWhen capitalism spread along the trade routes toward the Indieswhen radio opened an era of mass communication . . . when the Internet became part of the global economypirates were there. And although most people see pirates as solitary anarchists out to destroy capitalism, it turns out the opposite is true. They are the ones who forge the path.In The Pirate Organization, Rodolphe Durand and Jean-Philippe Vergne argue that piracy drives capitalisms evolution and foreshadows the direction of the economy. Through a rigorous yet engaging analysis of the history and golden ages of piracy, the authors show how pirates form complex and sophisticated organizations that change the course of capitalism. Surprisingly, pirate organizations also behave in predictable ways: challenging widespread norms; controlling resources, communication, and transportation; maintaining trade relationships with other communities; and formulating strategies favoring speed and surprise. We could learn a lot from themif only we paid more attention.Durand and Vergne recommend that rather than trying to stamp out piracy, savvy entrepreneurs and organizations should keep a sharp eye on the pirate space to stay successful as the game changesand it always does.First published in French to great critical acclaim and commercial success as LOrganisation Pirate: Essai sur lvolution du capitalisme, this book shows that piracy is not random. Its predictable, it cannot be separated from capitalism, and it likely will be the source of capitalisms continuing evolution.Pirates, surprisingly, also behave in predictable ways: challenging widespread norms; controlling resources, communication, and transportation; maintaining trade relationships with other communities; and formulating strategies favoring speed and surprise.And we can learn from them.Durand and Vergne recommend that rather than trying to stamp out piracy, savvy companies should keep a sharp eye on the pirate space. Only then can they detect how capitalisms rules of engagement are changingand then revise their business practices to remain successful in the new game.