The usual cost argument for open floor plans is that by devoting less square feet to each employee, you save money on rent. (The costs to actually put in a door and some sheet rock walls is a one time expense that isn't very high in comparison to the monthly costs for rent.)
The reality though is that if employees are less productive, any savings in rent will be small compared to the costs associated with lower worker productivity.
Oh, now I understand your point. That makes a lot more sense. I've bought into the "offices are more expensive" for years but never considered the one-time costs as more of a write-off / deprecation.
The reality though is that if employees are less productive, any savings in rent will be small compared to the costs associated with lower worker productivity.