Organizations and Conceptual Paradoxes, Defined by Action Ontology

 Petter Braathen (Memetor)

Abstract:

Organizations described by Action Ontology.

The theory of complex systems is an interdisciplinary epistemic framework. Working within it requires coherence when connecting concepts from different disciplines, and that we respect the permanence of concepts developed inside the disciplines.

I will describe complex systems in the tradition of process philosophy and develop an action-based ontology. I will go on to describe how an organization can be described as a set of primary types of actions. The advantage is that general complex systems theory can be applied across different ontological realms.

My Phd thesis focuses on how organizations relate to conceptual paradoxes that emerge. The theoretical formulation of action-ontology in process philosophy metaphysics, gives the ability to describe such phenomenon with more precision. This will again open up the possibility for practical solutions to the problem. I will briefly describe two case studies in global organizations where the theoretical approach has been applied in practical work.

Slides of presentation:

 http://ecco.vub.ac.be/sites/all/files/Brussels June 2012b.ppt