Thriving on Chaos: The Route to Management Survival

Abstract

Chaos theory is about to invade the thinking and vocabulary of practising managers and management academics. It will mark the major breakthrough in the 1990s, just as systems theory represented the great step forward three decades ago. Indeed, it may be regarded as a natural extension of systems theory. Provides an explanation of what chaos theory means in the light of some important scientific developments which may now be viewed as superseded. Explores the connection with management thinking through a number of major management writers who display an implicit awareness of chaos. A discussion considers the interrelationship between order and disorder, and the significance for creativity and leadership in organizations. Managers need to thrive on chaos, and to revamp some deeply entrenched attitudes if they are to succeed in the midst of an operating environment that is less stable and predictable.

Citation

Vinten, G. (1992), "Thriving on Chaos: The Route to Management Survival", Management Decision, Vol. 30 No. 8. https://doi.org/10.1108/00251749210022168