Models, Homologies, and Simulacra

The research and academic work of the authors for the past decade or more has been centered on the arena known as “complexity” or “complex systems.” The study of complex systems has made major inroads in the mathematical world, but fewer inroads in the realm of social and organizational studies. Part of the lack of progress involves difficulties in traversing from abstract theoretical- or probability-based models to the perceived “real” world of humans, organizations, actors, emotions, and events. Practitioners are mostly trained to act on simplicity and their attempt to control their environment via simplicity and control is the opposite of complexity and complex systems. Complexity involves a multidimensional ecology of world and consciousness, objects and perception, opportunities and language. This multidimensional world is very different from the efficiency-based, profit maximizing, cost minimizing, and customer satisficing world of business.