ABSTRACT
This chapter is designed to offer those new or unfamiliar with complexity science (‘complexity’, ‘complex adaptive systems’ or ‘complex systems’, as it is sometimes known), an understanding of the basic tenets of chaos (the forerunner of complexity), and complexity science. The histories and the descriptions and definitions offered are not exhaustive, nor are they meant to be, and their purpose is not a scientific one. They are provided on the basis that an all round understanding of the scientific background is necessary if one is to explore, with any degree of confidence, the insights and ideas they may offer in organizational and management contexts. Further, I hope that this chapter will enable readers to question the validity of any proposals by writers on organizational theory and practice when they draw on complexity science in support of their ideas.
