ADHOCRACY

PRONUNCIATION: (ad-HAWK-ruh-see)

MEANING: noun:
1. A flexible, adaptable organization that lacks a formal structure.
2. An organization characterized by lack of planning, responding to problems as they emerge rather than anticipating and avoiding them.

ETYMOLOGY: Coined by Warren Bennis and Philip Slater in their book The Temporary Society. From Latin ad hoc (for this, i.e. for a particular purpose only) + -cracy (rule). Earliest documented use: 1966.
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MADHOCRACY - government by jumping on a horse and riding off in all directions

ADHOCRACE - quick runoff after an elected official retires unexpectedly

A.B.HOCRACY - government by Bachelors of Arts