Your comment regarding technical folks self-organizing reminded me of a book I enjoyed: "Great Boss, Dead Boss" by Ray Immelman.
The book suggests that people in organizations self-assemble into tribes, ignoring the org chart, exactly as you note.
Tribes are one of the oldest organizational structures, the author suggests. He goes on to give advice about how to use this to improve organizations without getting crucified in the process.
I think it can be helpful when org-sactioned. Just heard Evan Spiegel of Snapchat talk about how everyone is part of a 10-person group. Similar to Jeff Bezos's 2 pizza rule. Thanks for the book rec.
The book suggests that people in organizations self-assemble into tribes, ignoring the org chart, exactly as you note.
Tribes are one of the oldest organizational structures, the author suggests. He goes on to give advice about how to use this to improve organizations without getting crucified in the process.
I found the book interesting and worth my time.