Departmental Papers (ASC)

Document Type

Journal Article

Date of this Version

March 1983

Publication Source

Telecommunications Policy

Volume

7

Issue

1

Start Page

43

Last Page

52

DOI

10.1016/0308-5961(83)90050-2

Abstract

Most serious discussion of telecommunications policy is governed by a utilitarian framework in which the success of communications networks is measured by some criterion of productivity. This exclusive emphasis creates undesirable rigidities in large communications systems upon which industrialized societies are so dependent. An analysis of productivity constraints on the social flexibility of existing networks is offered in support of an argument for deliberately building playfulness, In line with certain modest proposals, into the organization of emerging networks of communication.

Keywords

telecommunications, social psychology, systems design

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Date Posted: 07 March 2008