The formless void as organizational template☆

3 Manor Farm Close, Upper Seagry, Chippenham, SN15 5FB, UK.

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.

Keywords:

• creation
• emergence
• self-organization
• control
• post-Newtonian

Notes

3 Manor Farm Close, Upper Seagry, Chippenham, SN15 5FB, UK.

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.