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Boundaries, Hierarchies And Networks In Complex Systems

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  • PAUL CILLIERS

    (Department of Philosophy, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa)

Abstract

Models used in the understanding of complex entities, like organisations, are problematic in several respects. After an introductory discussion of this problem, this paper addresses the problems associated with the boundaries of complex systems, arguing that although boundaries do exist, they have a peculiar nature. Similarly, it is argued that although hierarchies form an important part of the structure of complex systems, they are not clearly defined or "nested" as is often assumed. Hierarchies should also in principle be transformable in a viable system. Finally, the usefulness of network models is investigated. The conclusion is that although network models have a structure similar to that of complex systems, they are subject to the same limitations all models of complexity are faced with. A few implications for our understanding of organisations are mentioned.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Cilliers, 2001. "Boundaries, Hierarchies And Networks In Complex Systems," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 5(02), pages 135-147.
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:ijimxx:v:05:y:2001:i:02:n:s1363919601000312
    DOI: 10.1142/S1363919601000312
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    Cited by:

    1. Francesca Froy, 2023. "Learning from architectural theory about how cities work as complex and evolving spatial systems," Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 16(3), pages 495-510.
    2. Kok, Kristiaan P.W. & Loeber, Anne M.C. & Grin, John, 2021. "Politics of complexity: Conceptualizing agency, power and powering in the transitional dynamics of complex adaptive systems," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 50(3).
    3. Claire F. O’Reilly & Louise Caffrey & Caroline Jagoe, 2021. "Disability Data Collection in a Complex Humanitarian Organisation: Lessons from a Realist Evaluation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-12, September.
    4. Rhodes, Tim & Lancaster, Kari, 2019. "Evidence-making interventions in health: A conceptual framing," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 238(C), pages 1-1.
    5. Keith R. Skene, 2021. "No goal is an island: the implications of systems theory for the Sustainable Development Goals," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(7), pages 9993-10012, July.
    6. Ron Martin & Peter Sunley, 2010. "Complexity Thinking and Evolutionary Economic Geography," Chapters, in: Ron Boschma & Ron Martin (ed.), The Handbook of Evolutionary Economic Geography, chapter 4, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    7. Tamara Galkina & Irina Atkova, 2020. "Effectual Networks as Complex Adaptive Systems: Exploring Dynamic and Structural Factors of Emergence," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 44(5), pages 964-995, September.
    8. Krzakiewicz Kazimierz & Cyfert Szymon, 2012. "The Role of Leaders in Managing Organisation Boundaries," Management, Sciendo, vol. 16(1), pages 7-22, May.
    9. Omid Omidvar & Roman Kislov, 2016. "R&D Consortia As Boundary Organisations: Misalignment And Asymmetry Of Boundary Management," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 20(02), pages 1-24, February.
    10. Camaren Peter & Mark Swilling, 2014. "Linking Complexity and Sustainability Theories: Implications for Modeling Sustainability Transitions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 6(3), pages 1-29, March.
    11. Vatankhah, Sanaz & Bamshad, Vahideh & Altinay, Levent & De Vita, Glauco, 2023. "Understanding business model development through the lens of complexity theory: Enablers and barriers," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 155(PA).
    12. Nugus, Peter & Carroll, Katherine & Hewett, David G. & Short, Alison & Forero, Roberto & Braithwaite, Jeffrey, 2010. "Integrated care in the emergency department: A complex adaptive systems perspective," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 71(11), pages 1997-2004, December.
    13. Nicolò Barbieri & Davide Consoli & Lorenzo Napolitano & François Perruchas & Emanuele Pugliese & Angelica Sbardella, 2023. "Regional technological capabilities and green opportunities in Europe," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 48(2), pages 749-778, April.
    14. Mark A. Phillips & Jagjit Singh Srai, 2018. "Exploring Emerging Ecosystem Boundaries: Defining ‘The Game’," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 22(08), pages 1-21, December.
    15. Quan Liu & Ayeley Tchangani & François Pérès & Vicente Gonzalez-Prida, 2018. "Object-oriented Bayesian network for complex system risk assessment," Journal of Risk and Reliability, , vol. 232(4), pages 340-351, August.
    16. Richard Meissner & Inga Jacobs, 2016. "Theorising complex water governance in Africa: the case of the proposed Epupa Dam on the Kunene River," International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 16(1), pages 21-48, February.
    17. Christopher A. Hartwell, 2017. "Understanding “Development”: Insights from Some Aspects of Complexity Theory," Homo Oeconomicus: Journal of Behavioral and Institutional Economics, Springer, vol. 34(2), pages 165-190, November.
    18. Stefan Verweij, 2013. "Book Review," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(6), pages 794-796, November.
    19. Richard Marcantonio & Agustin Fuentes, 2020. "A Clear Past and a Murky Future: Life in the Anthropocene on the Pampana River, Sierra Leone," Land, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-17, March.
    20. Phillips, Mark A. & Ritala, Paavo, 2019. "A complex adaptive systems agenda for ecosystem research methodology," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).
    21. Marton Gosztonyi, 2023. "Comparative Analysis of X-Y-Z Generation Entrepreneurs in a Semi-Peripheral EU Member Country: Insights from Regularized Regression Techniques," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(4), pages 191-217.
    22. Nadine Ostern & Guido Perscheid & Caroline Reelitz & Jürgen Moormann, 2021. "Keeping pace with the healthcare transformation: a literature review and research agenda for a new decade of health information systems research," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 31(4), pages 901-921, December.

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