Since most jobs involve an ad-hoc mix of tasks some of which require total concentration and no interruptions it's far better to give people the option of working in a communal environment OR working somewhere quiet.

BBC: The pleasures and perils of the open-plan office

In pursuit of ever closer union, Mr Delors and his staff set up ad hoc groups, bypassed chains of command and outsourced tasks to whoever could get them done.

ECONOMIST: The beleaguered president of the European Commission