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Complexity theory and organization procedure design

Peter W. Brodbeck (International Graduate School of Management, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia)

Business Process Management Journal

ISSN: 1463-7154

Article publication date: 1 October 2002

4362

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

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MCB UP Ltd

Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited

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