The complexity of the corporation

Issue title: Corporation: An Intelligent Complex Adaptive System

Guest editors: Thow Yick Liang

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Robertson, Duncan A.

Affiliations: Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, Park End Street, Oxford, OX1 1HP, UK, Tel.: +44 7967 973 002; E-mail: duncan.robertson@sbs.ox.ac.uk (research@duncanrobertson.com), http://www.duncanrobertson.com/

Abstract: We discuss the notion of complexity as applied to firms and corporations. We introduce the background to complex adaptive systems, and discuss whether this presents an appropriate model or metaphor to be used within management science. We consider whether a corporation should be thought of as a complex system, and conclude that a firm within an industry can be defined as a complex system within a complex system. Whether we can say that the use of complexity research will fundamentally improve firm performance will depend on the effect on success derived from its application.

Keywords: Complexity, complex adaptive system, emergence, agent-based models

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-2004-23202

Journal: Human Systems Management, vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 71-78, 2004