The concept of “New Power” frameworks refers to the idea of understanding and leveraging the dynamics of power in the modern world, often in the context of social movements, organizations, or leadership. The term was popularized by Jeremy Heimans and Henry Timms in their book “New Power: How Power Works in Our Hyperconnected World—and How to Make It Work for You.” They distinguish between two types of power frameworks:

1. Old Power Frameworks:
   • Characteristics: Old power operates like a currency. It is held by a few and is accessed by people through a hierarchical structure. It is closed, centralized, and relies on formal authority.
   • Examples: Traditional institutions like governments, corporations, and hierarchical organizations use old power to control information, resources, and decision-making processes.
   • Approach: The goal is to accumulate and protect power, using it to direct actions, enforce rules, and maintain influence.
2. New Power Frameworks:
   • Characteristics: New power functions like a current. It is open, participatory, and peer-driven. The power is distributed widely and grows stronger as more people engage and contribute.
   • Examples: Digital platforms, social movements, decentralized organizations, and collaborative communities. Companies like Airbnb, Wikipedia, and movements like #MeToo or Occupy Wall Street are driven by new power dynamics.
   • Approach: The focus is on mobilizing people to participate, collaborate, and co-create. New power strategies involve fostering engagement and turning consumers or users into contributors.

Types of New Power Frameworks

New power frameworks can take different forms based on how they operate and influence systems. Some of these include:

1. Crowdsourcing and Open Innovation:
   • Organizations use the collective intelligence of the crowd to generate ideas, solve problems, and innovate. Open-source software, platforms like GitHub, and crowdsourcing initiatives are examples of this framework.
2. Peer-to-Peer Networks:
   • Decentralized networks where individuals connect directly to exchange goods, services, or information without intermediaries. Blockchain technology, peer-to-peer lending, and file-sharing systems like BitTorrent fall into this category.
3. Platform Power:
   • Digital platforms that enable users to create, share, and distribute content or services. Companies like YouTube, Uber, and Airbnb use new power by providing a platform that connects users and empowers them to interact and trade value.
4. Shared Leadership Models:
   • Leadership is distributed among various individuals within a team or organization rather than concentrated in one person. This model emphasizes collaboration, shared decision-making, and collective responsibility.
5. Movement-Building:
   • This framework focuses on creating grassroots movements that are driven by a shared purpose or cause. It leverages social media and other digital tools to mobilize people and create large-scale impact quickly, often without centralized control.
6. Community-Driven Models:
   • Communities of users or supporters actively shape the direction of a project, product, or service. Platforms like Reddit or open-source software projects like Linux thrive on community involvement, which drives their evolution and growth.
7. Radical Transparency:
   • Emphasizing openness in communication and decision-making processes. Organizations that adopt radical transparency share information openly with employees, customers, and stakeholders, aiming to build trust and empower collective action.

Differences Between Old Power and New Power

These new power frameworks are increasingly influencing the way organizations operate, movements are built, and individuals participate in shaping the world. Understanding these frameworks helps in adapting strategies to effectively engage with communities, foster innovation, and leverage the collective power of people in the digital age.