Traversing the Spectrum of Organisational Autonomy

In this timely book, Eamonn Molloy examines how organisations are being transformed by AI, automation, blockchain, and the Internet of Things. As these technologies advance, companies are beginning to operate with significantly reduced direct human intervention in core processes and decision making, moving toward more autonomous, self-driving ways of working. Molloy introduces the Spectrum of Organisational Autonomy (SOA), a six-level framework that explains how organisations evolve from human-led enterprises to largely autonomous systems. He shows what this shift looks like in practice, exploring how core functions such as strategy, decision making, HR, finance, and operations change as autonomy increases. The book also explores what this transformation means for people. Molloy argues for “progressive autonomy,” a model in which humans and machines work together. He addresses the legal, ethical, and security challenges of autonomous systems, including issues of bias and accountability, and offers a practical, phased playbook to help leaders guide this transition responsibly. Clear, accessible, and forward-looking, this book is for leaders, technologists, policymakers, and anyone interested in how organisations will operate and be led in an increasingly autonomous world.