A CHAOTIC MODEL OF INNOVATIVE SEARCH - SOME ANSWERS, MANY QUESTIONS

The dynamics of innovative search are investigated. A formal learning model is explicated to understand (1) how attention is allocated and ( 2) how attention and ideas are related during an active search. A part icular chaotic regime of the model is shown to have dynamics similar t o an actual search process. This motivates an agenda for research alon g three primary directions: refinements to the model, extensions that link the model to actions and decisions, and surroundings required to embed such a model in a larger context. The findings here suggest that chaos can occur in specific organizational processes over particular periods of time. Whether such chaos is beneficial to organizations is unclear.