Are Firms Autopoietic Systems?
SOCIOCYBERNETICS: COMPLEXITY, AUTOPOIESIS, AND OBSERVATION OF SOCIAL SYSTEMS, pp. 125-140, G. Van Der Zouwen, F. Geyer, eds., Westport (Ct): Greenwood, 2001
15 Pages Posted: 27 Feb 2012
Date Written: February 26, 2012
Abstract
More than 25 years since its introduction (Stengers, 1985; Varela, 1996), the paradigm of autopoiesis has been extensively disseminated in various scientific communities, with alternate fortunes and enthusiasm. Although many theorists treat it as a new paradigm shift in science, owing to its philosophical novelty, it is curious that the disciplines that were most reluctant to embrace such a new 'Kuhnean revolution' were indeed biology, on which autopoiesis is founded, and philosophy, about which autopoiesis is supposed to have something radically new to say. The most promising developments in fact were attained in sociology (Luhmann, 1990; Ulrich & Probst, 1984), political science (Jessop, 1990, 1992), law (Teubner, 1988, 1993; Teubner & Febbrajo, 1992), ecology (Zeleny, 1995, 1996), and management (Kickert, 1993; von Krogh & Roos, 1996; von Krogh & Vicari, 1993; Morgan, 1986; Zeleny & Hufford, 1992; Vicari, 1991). This chapter focuses on the latter field. It is wondered whether firms are autopoietic systems - that is, whether the paradigm of autopoiesis is applicable to for-profit organizations. Although only applications to other sciences will be touched upon, it will be clear that results can be extended to all kinds of social systems.
Keywords: autopoiesis, firms, knowledge, self-organization, systems
JEL Classification: D83
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
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