Complexity as an empirical tendency: promoting non-measurement as a means to enhanced understanding

Article


Poulis, K. 2021. Complexity as an empirical tendency: promoting non-measurement as a means to enhanced understanding. European Management Journal. 39 (4), pp. 487-496. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emj.2020.10.005
TypeArticle
TitleComplexity as an empirical tendency: promoting non-measurement as a means to enhanced understanding
AuthorsPoulis, K.
Abstract

In this conceptual paper, I seek to provide an organising framework for conducting qualitative research in complexity studies in management. Building upon the underlying logic of Kauffman's NK(C) model and the notion of second-order complexity, I urge management researchers interested in complex adaptive systems to capture, understand, and articulate complexity as an empirical tendency as opposed to the measurement-driven orientation of many scholars. I contend that the latter orientation's illusion for numerical precision, predictive accuracy and generalizable truthfulness is not only undoable but also unnecessary in the context of providing practically meaningful and realistic recommendations to those interested in complexity.

PublisherElsevier
JournalEuropean Management Journal
ISSN0263-2373
Publication dates
Online17 Oct 2020
Print01 Aug 2021
Publication process dates
Deposited03 Sep 2021
Accepted15 Oct 2020
Output statusPublished
Accepted author manuscript
License
Copyright Statement

© 2021. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emj.2020.10.005
LanguageEnglish
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