Abstract
This article examines the first creation story in the Book of Genesis from the perspective of complexity theory. Traditional views of this narrative conceive of a deity harnessing chaos to create order. They reflect a loathing of chaos and a desire for control: a Newtonian worldview of cause and effect. It is an approach we see repeated in contemporary organizations. However, a radically different perspective sees the formless void as opening up the possibility of emergence and self-organization. This approach is used to prompt interaction both with the Judaeo-Christian tradition and organization studies. Four particular leadership challenges are examined: notions of control, attitudes to change, co-creating an environment for self-organization, and using emergence in relation to values. A concluding section highlights the importance of consistency in leadership to promote emergence.
Notes
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1. Biblical quotations are from The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version Anglicized Edition, Oxford & New York NY: Oxford University Press © 1989, 1995 Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
2. The review cites the editor’s name as Henrik.