Toward a complexity-based assessment framework

This study was focused on gaining a greater understanding of the phenomena of context and complexity as organizational reality and, to initiate a dialogue regarding the formulation of an alternative assessment framework that explores the context and complexity within which organizations exist. This research developed a model for consideration of multi-level organizational relations and influences in assessing organizational context. This was followed by a formula for conceptually capturing the dynamic interactions that occur in organizational complexity for use in setting parameters for assessment. It was postulated that a multi-dimensional configuration of interpenetrable fields, a conceptual formula for illustrating the breadth of organizational integral dynamics, and the concept of organizational potential will provide a framework that supports the need for a continuing dialogue of addressing organizational contextual complexity.; Framework development as heuristic inquiry was used as part of the dialogue and communication of these ideas, which were used as the foundation for the case study application of these concepts to the NewCo merger. The case study primarily focused on the due diligence and integration issues in the non-financial "soft area" of leadership and culture of the NewCo merger. Through the case study application observations of increasingly unstable conditions of non-linear dynamic interactions were enabled, as were patterns of mutually influencing dynamics stemming from reciprocal dynamics and independent actions of variables.; The use of the formulaic representation of contextual potential enabled the representation of this increasing complexity of variable interactions, although it was of limited use in depicting multiplicative or synergistic forces. The results suggest the evaluator is inextricably linked to the assessment parameters and the experience of the assessment, and that the use of a multi-level, multi-dimensional frame increases the potential that probabilities derived from any assessment are sensitive to the depth of the integrative dynamics considered.; The potential contribution of the multi-level contextual model and formulaic proposition presented here may help to promote a dialogue as to how to approach the identification of context and complexity in organizational assessment. Future research may include validation of the multiple fields and the incorporation of multiplicative and synergistic forces in the formulaic proposition.