Talking about an evolution: Using Darwinian theory to improve organizations

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds his/her own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

In business, there are few worse feelings than having the rug pulled from under you, and to discover that the truth you thought was absolute is inf fact a mirage. It is one of those occurrences that you are happy to see happen to other people; that can make you paranoid about double-checking and triple-checking everything about your own organization. In philosophy it is known as the “black swan problem,” or to give it the more technical title, the problem of induction. It is called the black swan problem after the discovery of Australia – hitherto the only swans observed by Western scientists were white, hence the knowledge that all swans were white was up there with 2 + 2=4 and “Is the Pope catholic?” Imagine the look on the faces of those intrepid explorers when they saw a black swan waddling toward them.

Practical implications

This paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Citation

(2020), "Talking about an evolution: Using Darwinian theory to improve organizations", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 34 No. 4, pp. 57-59. https://doi.org/10.1108/DLO-02-2020-0048