A Cognitive Approach to Organizational Complexity

Tinbergen Institute Discussion Paper No. TI 2004-033/1

34 Pages Posted: 5 Apr 2004

See all articles by Guido Fioretti

Guido Fioretti

Complex Systems Centre, University of Siena; International Centre for Economic Research (ICER)

Bauke Visser

Erasmus University Rotterdam - Department of Economics; Tinbergen Institute Rotterdam (TIR)

Date Written: February 24, 2004

Abstract

Organizational theory has construed complexity as an objective characteristic of either the structure or the behaviour of an organization. We argue that to further our understanding it should be understood in terms of human cognition of a structure or behavior. This cognitive twist is illustrated using two theoretical approaches, whose relationship is discussed.

Keywords: Organizational complexity, cognition, structure, behaviour

JEL Classification: D23, M1

Suggested Citation

Fioretti, Guido and Visser, Bauke, A Cognitive Approach to Organizational Complexity (February 24, 2004). Tinbergen Institute Discussion Paper No. TI 2004-033/1, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=524702 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.524702

Guido Fioretti (Contact Author)

Complex Systems Centre, University of Siena ( email )

Via Banchi di Sotto, 55
I-53100 Siena
Italy

International Centre for Economic Research (ICER)

Villa Gualino
Viale Settimio Severo, 63
10133 Torino
Italy

Bauke Visser

Erasmus University Rotterdam - Department of Economics ( email )

P.O. Box 1738
3000 DR Rotterdam
Netherlands
+ 31 (0)10 40 81449 (81441) (Phone)
+ 31 (0)10 40 89149 (Fax)

Tinbergen Institute Rotterdam (TIR)

P.O. Box 1738
3000 DR Rotterdam
Netherlands