Alice Huang, G10C, RDF International School

There has been a discussion about the possibility of establishing boss-free work environments. Proponents argue that people are capable of following work requirements independently, rendering obsolete the need for a leader. However, when considering human nature, I think of this notion as a utopian dream. In the book “Lord of the Flies,” I gained insight from the way the boys descended into madness and inhumanity. The absence of a strong leader to establish and uphold social order played a key role in this deterioration.

Without a competent leader in a group, members are prone to act aimlessly, undermining overall efficiency. In “Lord of the Flies,” when the boys found themselves stranded on an isolated island, Ralph, the son of a naval general, made efforts to organize them in building huts for shelter against imminent threats. However, most of the boys ignored his suggestions and indulged in play and hunting instead. Consequently, only Simon, Piggy, and Ralph helped building the huts, and it took them a long time to complete the task.

A wise leader also functions as the guiding intellect of a group, understanding what benefits the collective. In “Lord of the Flies,” Ralph and Piggy, two well-educated individuals, earnestly appealed to others to establish order.

Unfortunately, in another group without a leader, everyone aspired to become a leader while disregarding valuable suggestions. As a result of the chaotic social environment, they were ill-equipped to combat the harsh natural conditions and navigate conflicts. The group rapidly descended into chaos, with power struggles culminating in brutality and disorder.

The lessons I learned from the book led me to conclude that a boss-free approach is far from an ideal choice for any group. An organization requires a capable leader to guide its members toward success.