Siloed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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siloed
[ˈsaɪloʊd ]
Definition
business terminology
Siloed refers to a situation where different departments or units within an organization operate in isolation from one another. This can lead to a lack of communication and coordination, hindering efficiency and collaboration. The term suggests that information and resources are contained or segregated, much like grain stored in a silo. Siloed structures can create barriers to cooperation and prevent innovation, as teams may not share insights or strategies effectively.
Synonyms
divided, isolated, segregated.
Examples of usage
- The company's siloed departments struggled to work together on the project.
- He criticized the siloed approach that limited collaboration between teams.
- The new policy aims to break down siloed practices across the organization.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Business and Management
- In corporate environments, 'siloed' structures can lead to departments working independently, limiting collaboration and innovation.
- Companies often strive to break down siloed environments to enhance teamwork and idea flow, encouraging cross-departmental projects.
Technology
- In tech, siloed data refers to information that is trapped within a specific system, making it hard to access or share across platforms.
- Modern software solutions aim to enhance interoperability, countering the challenges posed by siloed technologies.
Psychology
- Siloed thinking can lead to cognitive biases, where individuals only consider information from their limited perspective.
- Encouraging diverse viewpoints can help dismantle siloed mentality, promoting better understanding and problem-solving.
Education
- In educational contexts, students often learn in 'siloed' subjects, which can hinder the ability to see connections between different fields of knowledge.
- Interdisciplinary teaching approaches seek to break down these silos, encouraging a more holistic view of learning.
Origin of 'siloed'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from 'silo', which refers to a tall structure used for storing grain, symbolizing something kept away from others.
- Initially used in agricultural contexts to describe stored crops, the term has evolved to describe isolated systems in various fields.
The word 'silo' originates from the Middle English term 'sile,' which means a place for storing grain. Its use has evolved to signify a structure used for keeping things separate or contained. The term 'siloed' emerged in business and organizational contexts in the late 20th century as companies began to recognize the detrimental effects of isolated operations. Over time, the concept has been widely adopted in discussions about organizational behavior, particularly in relation to improving communication, fostering teamwork, and encouraging cross-functional collaboration. The metaphor highlights the risks of compartmentalization in dynamic and interconnected work environments.