I found Doug Seeley's post a bit confusing. Wondering if you could
clear a thing or two up Doug?
In my understanding of chaos theory and non-linear, dynamic systems they
are non-discrete or continous. Could you clear up that apparent oxymoron
in the title of your post succinctly?
Secondly, you make mention of randomness and variation in your models.
Again, in chaos theory and non-linear dynamic systems, which I agree are
better suited models of corporate behavior, randomness and random
variation don't exist. Instead variation is predictable within parameters
if only the appropriate fractal model is known and understood. And all
seeming variation is really a pattern of these fractal images.
I fail to see how these two issues debunk your general argument but
sure could use an explanation.
And for Sean G. How could you turn away from a man who wrote? :
"The innovator makes enemies of all those who prospered under the old
order, and only luke warm support is forthcoming from those who would
prosper under the new." Niccolo Machiavelli, The Prince, p. 51
or "Men are generally incredulous, never really trusting new things
unless they have tested them by experience." also p. 51
Hmmmm? I'm saddened to see so many people misunderstand
Machiavelli's seamish attempt to recurry favor with a Medici. His
Ten Discourses are more exemplary of his political & philosphical
thought. But then, I suspect you knew that.
Charles Barclay 2404 Maile Way
Dept. of Mgmt & Ind Relations Honolulu, HI 96822
University of Hawaii Fax: 808 956-2774
barclay@busadm1.cba.hawaii.edu Phone: 808 956-8545
Executives who do not ask themselves, "What can I contribute?" are
not only likely to aim too low, they are likely to aim at the wrong
things. Above all, they may define their contribution too narrowly.
---Peter Drucker, The Effective Executive