Emergent Property (Emergence)                                                           Work in Progress

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Introduction

In philosophy, systems theory and the sciences, emergence refers to the way complex systems and patterns arise out of a multiplicity of relatively simple interactions. Emergence is central to the theories of integrative levels and of complex systems.

In philosophy, emergentism is the belief in emergence, particularly as it involves consciousness and the philosophy of mind, and as it contrasts with reductionism. A property of a system is said to be emergent if it is more than the sum of the properties of the system's parts.

Understanding Emergent Properties

Emergent properties are things such as life, that is a result we understand and discuss but that we can't systematically reproduce.  This idea is in opposition to the idea of reductionism, which deals with results that we can systematically reproduce.  A mechanical engine can be completely deconstructed to its distinct parts, then reintegrated into the whole engine again and be expected to produce the exact same results every time.  Life can be deconstructed to its distinct parts but can't ever be reintegrated as a whole and expected to produce life again.

Organizations create cultures, capabilities, and unique resource combinations that come together over time to create a distinct emergent property, the life force of the company if you will.  Some companies manage this type of emergence so well that they become powerhouses in their industries over long periods of time and changing market conditions, e.g. Toyota.  Others manage emergence so poorly that they don't survive or they just limp along barely surviving, e.g. the companies you rarely hear about or don't bother to remember.

ITIL's definition

See Also

References

"Emergence." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 18 Jul 2008, 19:08 UTC. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 30 Jul 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Emergence&oldid=226497948>. 

"Emergentism." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 18 Jun 2008, 14:35 UTC. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 30 Jul 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Emergentism&oldid=220148711>.

Working notes