Complex Systems

Swarm-like Dynamics and their Use in Organization and Management Download PDF

Vladimir Dimitrov
Electronic mail address: V.Dimitrov@uws.edu.au.
Centre for Systemic Development,
University of Western Sydney

Abstract

According to many authors in the field of management, today's globalization, rapid-fire technological innovations, and constantly mounting pressure from a few elitist, unimaginably rich, banking corporations have pushed the world markets into a state of ceaseless turmoil. "Success amidst such a maelstrom of change"---writes Conner [1] in his book Leading at the Edge of Chaos---"calls for much more than what change-management models have to offer. It calls for the emergence of a radically new kind of organization with highly flexible swarm-like dynamics, nimble enough to adapt instantly to changing market conditions, and piloted by people well versed in the art of riding complexity at the edge of chaos."