Collective intelligence (CI) is a shared or group intelligence that emerges from many individuals’ collaboration, collective efforts, and competition and appears in consensus decision-making. The term appears in sociocultural evolution, political science, media studies, computer science, and anthropology. Although the concept has a long history and stems from different disciplines, it has only been rigorously defined and studied recently.
Collective intelligence has also been called mass intelligence, social intelligence, multiple intelligence (Marshall McLuhan), collective consciousness (Pierre Teilhard de Chardin), cybersociality (Don Tapscott), swarm intelligence (Werner Herzog), and group mind (Gregory Bateson). In computer science, CI is considered a subset of artificial intelligence; Collective adaptive systems are those systems consisting of many agents that interact with each other in order to improve their performance by sharing knowledge and experiences.
Examples of collective intelligence systems include Wikipedia and Linux. In business management, Collective Intelligence is thought to be an important ingredient in successful organizations as it supports learning at all levels. The concept of Collective Intelligence has also been linked with innovation and creativity. A number of researchers have suggested that the emergence of Collective Intelligence is associated with the open-source movement and Web 2.0 technologies.
Background
The term “collective intelligence” was first coined by French thinker Henri Bergson in his book Creative Evolution (1907). Bergson used the term to refer to “the one general mind” manifested in humanity’s highest achievements in art, science, and philosophy.” Bergson believed that this collective mind was responsible for humanity’s evolutionary progress. British anthropologist Alfred Cort Haddon later used the term “collective intelligence” to describe the intelligent co-operation of indigenous peoples during fieldwork expeditions. American philosopher Charles W. Morris later popularized the term “collective intelligence” after reading Bergson’s work while teaching at Columbia University during the 1940s. Morris’ student Margaret Mead further elaborated on Bergson’s theory by using Collective Intelligence to describe a group’s ability to make decisions collectively.
Current Usage
Collective Intelligence has also been described as a form of social capital where knowledge is seen as a resource that can be mobilized within networks or groups. In recent years, the concept of Collective Intelligence has been increasingly recognized as an important factor in business success. A number of studies have shown that organizations which encourage Collective Intelligence are more innovative and creative than those which don’t.
Several technology companies have started to harness Collective Intelligence within their organizations to promote innovation. For example, Google has developed a number of tools that allow its employees to share knowledge and ideas across the company. Facebook has also implemented a number of features that encourage its users to share information and ideas. Similarly, IBM has developed a number of collaborative technologies which allow its employees to share knowledge and expertise across the organization. Various other companies have also started using Collective Intelligence within their organizations to promote innovation and creativity.
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