Natural science models in management: opportunities and challenges

摘要: This paper sets out how models from natural science can be used within the management domain. We contend that this transformation between domains is best served by agent-based models, where agent behavior important, not specifics of type. also note these are useful for exploring complexity and extending research has been performed to date. demonstrate with two models: NK model, a theoretical biology model had 10 years development strategy field, Forest Fire physics at an early stage its application In doing so, we focus on specific issues need addressed when applying studies due ontological differences realms social science. (ProQuest: ... denotes formula omitted.) Introduction Interest in and, particularly, understanding distinctive features characterize complex systems, increased dramatically during last decades across many scientific disciplines. The reason study systems focuses parts system give rise collective behavior, such affects parts, interact their environment (Bar-Yam, 2003). questions about wholes, relationships explains relevance lives biologists, physicists, economists, physicians, meteorologists, financial traders, organizational theorists. increasing adoption paradigm organizations led computational based modeling as method enables us address formally central nonlinear dynamics, interdependencies subsystems, emergent behavior. analyze originally developed context other sciences were "imported" realm purpose dealing require viewing firms systems. Kauffman's biology, physics. Despite attractiveness addressing related organizations, raised regarding limitations issues. above-mentioned discuss possible resolutions. first extensively decade work focused impact trade-offs performance. then explore relatively new challenges migration organization studies. twofold. First, want remark offer significant potential providing answers methods cannot effectively. Second, wish highlight fact only suitable if researcher develops extensions bridge important qualitative use commonplace distinguish here 'models' 'frameworks'. sense "to devise (usually mathematical) or simplified description (a phenomenon, system, etc.)" (Suppes, 1974) contrast framework Porter's Five Forces: Porter (1980:47) describes "framework competitor analysis" (emphasis added), describing it model. …