You're right that it does send a certain message to the organization about change and the future that's ahead...I like that Rubin realizes the importance of word-of-mouth etc, I just wonder if he has the chops to drive the necessary change within an organization like Sony/Columbia.

yes, interesting stuff. However, thats a hard thing to do in a big company that is so driven by hierarchy.

"We don't have any titles at the new Columbia"As the value chain around you collapses, what's the most pressing thing to do? Yep, abolish titles.