The Complexity of the Corporation

Robertson, D. A. (2004) ‘The Complexity of the Corporation’, Human Systems Management, 23(2), 71-78, Special Issue: Corporation: An Intelligent Complex Adaptive System

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.