Complexity theory and organization procedure design
Abstract
The practical applications of emerging theory, “complexity theory”, to business are sometimes less obvious than the theory itself, which drives the need, though arguably subjective, for enlightening applications for the potential use of emerging theory in business. Examines whether complexity theory has merit in the design of company procedures not just to challenge the functionalist dogma of traditional organizational structures, but also to encourage a process of self‐organization, self‐motivation, and learning. Focuses on three businesses of a private company in manufacturing, construction and trading and uses one procedure, which outlines the mechanism for charging operating units for the use of working capital. Investigates whether a process of self‐organizing and self‐motivating patterns can emerge if the structure of a procedure is developed under the methodology of complexity theory. Research findings were obtained from a focus group using the computer based qualitative research approach of Ideas UnlimitedTM and further examined in subsequent focus group discussions.
Keywords
Citation
Brodbeck, P.W. (2002), "Complexity theory and organization procedure design", Business Process Management Journal, Vol. 8 No. 4, pp. 377-402. https://doi.org/10.1108/14637150210435026
Publisher
:MCB UP Ltd
Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited