Complexity and Organization: Readings and Conversations

ISBN-13: 9780415352413 / Angielski / Miękka / 2006 / 312 str.

Robert Macintosh; Donald MacLean; Ralph Stacey

Opis

In the past decade, complexity-based thinking has exerted increasing, yet somewhat controversial influence over management theory and practice. This has in some part been due to the influence of a number of high-profile articles and the not inconsiderable hype which accompanied them. Another feature of the subject's development has been the diversity of the origins of the thinking and the claims which have been made for it in terms of managerial and organizational implications.

This is the first text to bring this thinking together, presenting some of the most influential writing in the field and showing how the subject has emerged, developed and continues to influence managerial thinking. Seminal contributions to the field have been brought together in a single accessible volume, allowing readers to access what might otherwise appear a very diffuse literature. Moreover, the editors, who represent some of the leading thinkers and writers in this field, have combined these readings with a unique commentary, indicating not only the significance of the papers but teasing out the subtle but significant differences and similarities between them. These commentaries take the form of a discussion between the editors, debating the contribution that each paper has made to the field and the influence it has had on management thinking.

Providing a unique overview, this accessible and thought-provoking reader will be an essential resource for anyone interested in complexity-based approaches.

Recenzje

'The rumours have been around for a while; there is a new and exciting perspective in the understanding of organizations from complexity theory. But unsurprisingly, complexity is complex. At last we have a book of readings and debate on the subject which is thorough, approachable, and up-to-date.' David Sims, Professor of Organizational Behaviour, Cass Business School, City University, UK

Spis treści

 Introduction Section 1: Chaos Theory and Dissipative Structures 1. Chaos Theory and Strategy 2. Conditioned Emergence 3. Surfing the Edge of Chaos 5. The Science of Complexity 6. Leadership and the New Sciences Editors’ Discussion of the Papers in Section 1 Section 2: Categorizing Complexity 7. Evolving Complexity in Social Science 8. Speaking of Complexity in Management Theory and Practice 9. Emergence Editors’ Discussion of the Papers in Section 2 Section 3: Complexity in Social Settings 10. From Complexity Science to Complex Thinking 11. Learning as the Activity of Interdependent People 12. Complex Thinking Editors’ Discussion of the Papers in Section 3. Concluding Remarks