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This paper aims to link up the concepts of system bifurcation and system catastrophe with temporal logic in order to show the applicability of dialectical reasoning to metamorphic system transformations. A system catastrophe is an innovation resulting from reorganization resulting from a switch from positive to negative feedback or vice versa. The subsystems would then be oscillators and the truth of any descriptive statement is then distributive. Such oscillations would produce an uncertainty in the temporal trajectory of the system which would increase both towards the past and the future. This means that time is not a scalar dimension, but a quadratic paraboloid distribution of converging and diverging transition probabilities. A social system composed of such oscillators would be heterarchical rather than hierarchical.

This chapter outlines a discursive epistemology of knowledge production through an analysis of the role of time and context in the social construction of organizational insights, outcomes and theories. While the role of time and context has been widely acknowledged in organizational discourse analysis, it has remained unclear what is specific to knowledge generation. Drawing upon a case study of an attempted company acquisition, the authors illustrate how knowledge is discursively produced and consumed during a process of strategizing. The analysis of this study shows how knowledge producing processes (e.g., strategizing, theorizing, conceptualizing and hypothesizing) extend both the time horizon of discourses that relate to the future, and the context horizon for discourse(s) that relate to the broader context. This reconstructs the tapestry of interwoven discourses that make up a local discourse and enable new managerial knowledge to be produced.

Considers that when efficiency and effectiveness of systems are measured by the quantity and quality of their output they may be inadequate for the purpose of comparing one system with another. Seeks new criteria and defines entropy, wastivity and quality concepts in relation to system performance. Establishes the interdependence of the three concepts. Proposes that system wastivity should be used as a measure of system performance.

General Systems Theory postulates the existence of many general theories that serve to describe isomorphisms across systems. The theory of Fuzzy Sets can be considered as one particular general theory which describes the phenomenon of ambiguity across all systems displaying this property and its consequences. Fuzzy Set Theory is a mathematical development that holds great promise in becoming the metalanguage of ambiguity, in a way parallel to Statistics and Probability Theory which represent the metalanguage of uncertainty. Fuzzy Sets appear particularly well suited to model ambiguity in the context of the systems paradigm which has been offered as a counterpart to the traditional science paradigm. A decision model is used to discuss the differences between these two paradigms and to show the role which Fuzzy Sets can play in resolving some of the epistemological problems in the domain of the social sciences.

Anticipating behaviour and responding to the needs of complexity and the problematic issues that they can generate requires modelling to facilitate analysis and diagnosis. Using arguments of anticipation as an imperative for inquiry, the purpose of this paper is to introduce generic modelling for living systems theory, and assigns the number of generic constructs to orders of simplex modelling. An nth simplex order rests in an nth order simplex cybernetic space. A general modelling theory of higher orders of simplexity is given, where each higher order responds to every generic construct involved, the properties of which determining the rules of the complex system being that is represented. Higher orders of simplexity also explain greater degrees of complexity relatively simply, and give rise to the development of new paradigms that are better able to explain perceived complex phenomena.

This is part 1 of three linked papers. Using principles that arise from Schwarz’s living systems set within a framework provided by cultural agency theory, and with a rationale provided by Rosen’s and Dubois’ concepts of anticipation, the papers develops a general modelling theory of simplex orders. It shows that with the development of new higher orders, paradigm shifts can occur that become responsible for new ways of seeing and resolving stubborn problematic issues. The paper is composed of two parts. Part 1 establishes the fundamentals for a theory of modelling associated with cybernetic orders. Using this, part 2 establishes the principles of cybernetic orders using simplex modelling. This will include a general theory of generic modelling. Part 3 extends this, developing a fourth order simplex model, and exploring the potential for higher orders using recursive techniques through cultural agency theory.

Cultural agency theory can be used to generate higher simplex through principles of recursion, and hence to create a potential for the generation of families of new paradigms. The idea of conceptual emergence is also tied to the rise of new paradigms.

The use of higher order simplex models to represent complex situations provides the ability to condense explanation concerning the development of particular system behaviours, and hence simplify the way in which the authors analyse, diagnose and anticipate behaviour in complex situations. Illustration is also given showing how the theory can explain the emergence of new paradigms.

Cultural agency can be used to structure problem issues that may otherwise be problematic, within both a top-down and bottom up approach. It may also be used to assist in establishing behavioural anticipation given an appropriate modelling approach. It may also be used to improve and compress explanation of complex situations.

A new theory of simplex orders arises from the new concept of generic modelling, illustrating cybernetic order. This permits the possibility of improved analysis and diagnosis of problematic situations belonging to complex situations through the use of higher order simplex models, and facilitates improvement in behavioural anticipation.

Time as a dependent (temporal patterning or allocation) or independent (temporal context) variable in the study of marketing problems has attracted a range of researchers who use a variety of paradigms. Common to the majority of approaches is the notion of an abstract, absolute, linear, irreversible, monotonic, homogeneous and divisible structure of time, into which consumer behaviour is set. In particular, current consumer models pay little attention to the phenomenological experience of both time and temporality. The perceived and experienced duration over which events can occur draws attention to notions of time beyond normal temporal horizons. This is illustrated through the example of certain financial service products where the expansion of everyday time horizons is required to understand the total consumption act. It is proposed that an understanding of the consumption act requires an insight into the consumer′s own temporality and that embedded in the product or service being consumed. Further, there needs to be harmony between these temporalities to optimise the utility to be gained from the transaction.

Aims to apply organizational systems perspectives to discuss the three types of organizational development (OD) and management control systems (MCS): normative, coercive and remunerative‐instrumental (utilitarian) that affect the operating performance of teams.

The paper examines the effect that managerial power relations, cultural process and structural change intervention of these three types of control systems have on the formation (size, composition, and strategies), and operational activities (functions and assignment of tasks) of teams. The paper uses library archives research to study OD, MCS and teams. It has applied an organizational systems perspective that examines the effects of OD and MCS on teams' management.

Recent new directions in management control systems and OD process and structural intervention strategies have transformed management accounting control systems as the new administrative control innovations mechanisms for managing teams' performance and activities in industrial organizations. Accordingly, the traditional mechanistic control approach has been substituted or replaced by organic‐based processes and structures of team‐based control systems.

In organizations, the management of teams is multi‐dimensional, involving the simultaneous use of normative, remunerative and coercive control mechanisms. The paper advances the views that the effectiveness of team management in organizations is contingent upon several structural and process factors including the mix of these three types of compliance systems and the form of organizational setting, i.e. manufacturing or professional organizations.

In the management control literature, the management of teams has centered on normative or remunerative or coercive control systems. This paper shows that OD's cultural process and structural intervention strategies provide new directions to address these three types of management control system for teams in industrial organizations.

Introduces and delineates the concept of strategic planning maturities. It thus represents a small addition to the total body of knowledge underlying the strategic planning process. Uses a conceptual model to explicate the dynamic interrelationship between planning horizons and strategic planning maturities. Theoretical applications and real‐world applications link the concept of strategic planning maturities to successful and unsuccessful strategic decisions actually made by top management in a cross‐section of large organizations.

Profiles broadband communications, wondering whether AOL Time Warner will keep its side of the bargain that promises to provide a universal telephone service, in exchange for accepting regulations regarding monopoly. Recommends that only by quality of service monitoring can AOL Time Warner be seen to be keeping its side of the bargain. Concludes that quality of service monitoring is a timely approach in the USA with regard to broadband communications systems.