Learning from research about CASs operating as enterprises

摘要

The behavior of enterprises operating in a complex systems domain is examined from the perspective of operating as a Complex Adaptive System (CAS). A number of authors are reviewed including Stacey, Pascale, Hidalgo, Senge, Pentland, UhlBien, Marion and McKelvey and Lichtenstein. The research concepts proposed by these authors are reinforced by identification of common themes, referenced to the experiences of 4 Star General Stanley McChrystal's experiences, a limited survey of practitioners, and the experiences of the authors. Themes identified include the Newtonian model of cause and effect only applies for day-to-day operations and the informal system is required to stimulate adaptation of the enterprise; change management is very difficu the space between nodes in organisations is equally valuable to the nodes of specialist positions; joint membership of teams assists relationship building; maximum innovation of groups is dependent on the degree of respect paid by members to each other; greater delegations assist.