Author: | Kickert, W. |
Title: | Autopoiesis and the science of (public) administration: essence, sense and nonsense |
Journal: | Organization Studies
1993 : VOL. 14;2, p. 261-278 |
Index terms: | PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION SCIENCE ORGANIZATIONS |
Language: | eng |
Abstract: | The model of "autopoiesis" - originally a biological model of a living system - has stimulated some outstanding social and administrative scientists to creative thinking about possible implications and applications. In this paper, the applicability of the model to the science of (public) administration is discussed. The paper begins with a description of the original model and a discussion of its systems theoretical implications. Next a review of the various interpretations of autopoiesis in different fields of the social sciences is presented. Finally an attempt is made to perform a careful translation and cautious application. |
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