Intelligent organizations: An integrative framework

The purpose of this payer is to demonstrate how cybernetic theories open ne w paths towards organizational intelligence. This is illustrated by means o f three theoretical models from organizational cybernetics. These models ar e integrated into a framework for a virtuous design, (self-)control and (se lf-)transformation of organizations. It is proposed that changes in activit ies, structure and behaviour - three of the dimensions of this framework - have to be synchronized among one another, and aligned with a fourth dimens ion: fundamental parameters such as organizational identity, ethos and visi on. It is also claimed that a continued and integrative application of the models outlined can trace the path towards excelling organizational intelli gence more effectively than merely punctual uses of one or more of them. Co pyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.