Darwinism, probability and complexity: market- based organizational transformation and change explained through the theories of evolution

Sammut-Bonnici, Tanya and Wensley, Robin (2002): Darwinism, probability and complexity: market- based organizational transformation and change explained through the theories of evolution. Published in: International Journal of Management Reviews , Vol. 4, No. 3 (2002): pp. 291-315.

Abstract

The study of transformation and change is one of the most important areas of social science research. This paper synthesizes and critically reviews the emerging traditions in the study of change dynamics. Three mainstream theories of evolution are introduced to explain change: the Darwinian concept of survival of the fittest, the Probability model and the Complexity approach. The literature review provides a basis for development of research questions that search for a more comprehensive understanding of organizational change. The paper concludes by arguing for the development of a complementary research tradition, which combines an evolutionary and organizational analysis of transformation and change.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: organisational transformation, change, evolution, darwinism, darwin, probability, complexity
• Subjects: A - General Economics and Teaching > A1 - General Economics; B - History of Economic Thought, Methodology, and Heterodox Approaches > B0 - General; L - Industrial Organization > L0 - General; L - Industrial Organization > L1 - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance; L - Industrial Organization > L1 - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance > L16 - Industrial Organization and Macroeconomics: Industrial Structure and Structural Change ; Industrial Price Indices; M - Business Administration and Business Economics ; Marketing ; Accounting ; Personnel Economics > M0 - General; M - Business Administration and Business Economics ; Marketing ; Accounting ; Personnel Economics > M0 - General > M00 - General; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O3 - Innovation ; Research and Development ; Technological Change ; Intellectual Property Rights

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