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Complexity Theory as a Practical Management Tool: A Critical Evaluation

2004; Emerald Publishing Limited; Volume: 1; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1057/omj.2004.18

2753-8567

Aaron C.T. Smith, Clare E Humphries,

Management and Organizational Studies

Abstract Complexity theory is receiving increasing attention in both academic and popular literature as a potential management tool. As momentum gathers surrounding its popularity in practical management, complexity theory is poised to become a management ‘fad’, and potentially an influential paradigm for the future. However, much of the literature concerning complexity theory contains inconsistent terminology and a lack of operationally empirical definitions. This has made it difficult for researchers to specify empirical questions in order to frame complexity research, and for practitioners to acquire the key principles for implementation. It has also opened a Pandora's Box of commentaries which proclaim that complexity theory is a new management panacea. This paper provides a critical account of the utility of complexity theory as a management tool, and concludes that while a number of metaphors and principles might suggest useful ways of thinking about management, the concept is neither new nor a panacea, and practitioners are urged toward caution. Additional informationNotes on contributorsAaron C T Smith Aaron Smith is an Associate Professor in the School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management at La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia and is a director of the Dutch-Australian consulting company Manage to Manage. He has consulted extensively to a diverse range of organisations including multi-national corporations, professional sporting clubs, national and state organizations, local government and private enterprises. He is the author or co-author of five books including, Managing Organisational Change. Email: aaron.smith@latrobe.edu.au Clare E Humphries Clare E. Humphies is a former lecture at La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia and is a practicing Occupational Therapist, specializing in psychiatric patients. She is currently a senior research consultant with a Dutch-Australian consulting company, Manage to Manage, and is the author of several articles.