A changing paradigm

From the beginning of the XXth century several factors have influenced in the way we see phenomena and in the way we study it. Nowaday’s problems and situations have challenged traditional approaches and values and have put into evidence the limitations of Descartes and Newton’s mechanistic point of view. Thomas Kuhn talks about a change of paradigm that involves all scientific disciplines. And this change is dramatically evident in the economic and business field. If we transfer this idea to the economic activity, the logic of markets and business has changed, we face situations of growing uncertainty, unpredictability and complexity. That is why we cannot address a different problem with the same solution, this is the idea that should lead the reflection to companies when facing challenges as innovation or just when making decissions regarding the current economic downfall.

“You cannot see something until you find the appropriate metaphor to perceive it” – Thomas Kuhn

This paradigm invites us to follow the logic of complex adaptive systems and complexity theory to surf  at the edge of chaos.

But the question is, are we prepared to implement this approach in organizations?