the invisible hook

The Invisible Hook

IntroductionIntroduction• There were

around two thousand pirates sailing the Caribbean, Atlantic, and Indian oceans during 1716 to 1726.

IntroductionIntroduction• Pirate society was

energetic and testosterone filled, similar to a college fraternity.

• In addition, pirate society, despite motion picture stereotypes, was orderly, democratic, and humane, when circumstances allowed.

IntroductionIntroduction• During this era,

pirate society was ordered on the "one pirate, one vote" principle.

““One pirate, one vote"One pirate, one vote"

• The principle allowed the entire crew to elect the captain and the quartermaster, who was in charge of discipline.

• This was done so that pirates could concentrate on accruing wealth, and did not have to be concerned with abusive officers, who could be removed by vote.

““The Custom of the Coast"The Custom of the Coast"

• This code governed pirate life and it was composed of strict regulation of drinking and smoking, which tried to avoid: – Destroying the ship, – Scattering its accumulated

wealth,– And killing the crew.

““The Custom of the Coast"The Custom of the Coast"

• In addition, pirates tried to avoid brawls with other crews because injured and dead pirates could not accumulate treasure.

• They did engage in "rational torture," which spread the message that crews would be spared if they surrendered their wealth, but would be brutally killed if they didn't.

The Pirate BlackbeardThe Pirate Blackbeard

• Indeed, Edward Teach, the notorious "Blackbeard," earned his fearsome reputation without ever killing anyone.

ImportantImportant

• There are some links between the principles of modern management and pirate life.

Piracy & ManagementPiracy & ManagementMain FeaturesMain Features

• Like any good business, the pirate trade sought to minimize costs and increase benefits.

• Pirate ships were democracies long before it became the standard in developed economies, long before the declaration of independence and suffrage in Britain.

• To keep captains in check, they were duly elected on the basis of one pirate, one vote.

• Pirates had a system that ensured the booty was equally distributed.

• They also had a workers' compensation system for those who got injured plundering ships.


• Pirates also had strict constitutions on how to behave in a ship and ensuring the business was profitable.

• Pirates were very much into branding. The aim was to strike terror into the hearts of the general public.


• Piratical costs included crew casualties and damage to the ship.

• As a result, they came up with the Jolly Roger, the logo that would signal to other ships that they would spare no quarter and slaughter all who resisted. Their targets would peacefully submit, reducing the potential costs.


Lico Reis Consultoria & Línguas

Prof. Roberto Lico Reis

[email protected]

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the invisible hook

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