Self-organized transitions: A pattern amid the chaos of transformative change

Abstract

Executive Overview Navigating major transitions is never easy, but complexity science offers insights into the transformations of three new ventures on the verge of a critical transition. The outcomes of change were unpredictable, but the process of change was extremely similar across the three firms. Moreover, the successful transitions incorporated three qualities: high self-reference, increased capacity, and interdependent organizing. In-depth case studies from an intensive research project on these themes reveal this pattern amid the chaos of entrepreneurial change, offer a new method of control in dynamic systems, and help managers leverage transformation in new ventures.