Title: Circular cause, time and narrativity

Authors: Mika Aaltonen

Addresses: BIT Research Centre, Helsinki University of Technology, P.O. Box 5500, FI-02015 TKK, Finland

Abstract: In this paper, the limits of the current and dominant view of causality are discussed and an alternative view for framing temporal and qualitative changes is presented. Firstly, Henri Bergson|s ideas about time are used to connect information and feedback loops to the dynamics of change. Secondly, path dependence theory is revisited in order to link decision making to time and change. Thirdly, concepts of sensemaking and complexity are linked to the discussion, and finally conclusions are drawn based on the presented aspects and the consideration of the idea that human beings, whether in organisational settings or generally in their lives, are fundamentally storytelling animals.

Keywords: cause and effect; sensemaking; time; complexity; narrativity; causality; change dynamics; path dependence theory; decision making; storytelling; management concepts.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2007.014995

International Journal of Management Concepts and Philosophy, 2007 Vol.2 No.3, pp.183 - 193

Published online: 30 Aug 2007 *

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