Disequilibrium and complexity across scales: a patch-dynamics framework for organizational ecology

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Management Science
• Organizational Studies

Background:

• Traditional ecological models, based on equilibrium assumptions, are widely used in management and organization studies.
• Existing models struggle to address multi-level analysis, uncertainty, and complexity.
• There is a need for frameworks that capture dynamic co-evolutionary mechanisms across organizational scales.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conceptualize dynamic co-evolution mechanisms in ecosystems across multiple organizational scales.
• To introduce a general 'patch-dynamics' framework capable of handling disequilibrium, uncertainty, and disturbances.
• To provide a novel methodology for modeling population and ecosystem dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Informed by advances in biological modeling, a 'patch-dynamics' framework was developed.
• Simulation models were constructed to demonstrate and test the framework's functionality and robustness.
• The methodology integrates equilibrium and disequilibrium perspectives, multi-level co-evolutions, uncertainties, and disturbances.

Main Results:

• The patch-dynamics framework successfully integrates dynamic co-evolution, disequilibrium, and uncertainty.
• Simulation models validated the framework's ability to capture complex ecosystem changes.
• The framework offers a unified approach to analyzing organizational populations and ecosystems.

Conclusions:

• The patch-dynamics framework provides a new theoretical perspective and methodology for ecological modeling in management and organization studies.
• This approach can enhance the analysis of organizational ecosystem sustainability and health, especially amidst uncertainty.
• It opens new research avenues for understanding complex, dynamically evolving resource environments and management practices.