Complexity theory and its implications for modelling workflow

Complexity has been heralded as the big theory that explains behaviour in not only natural and social systems, but business systems as well. However, many people in the business community regard it as just another passing management fad, that promises far more than it delivers. This paper tries to show that whilst complexity theory does not provide easy answers to business problems, it is extremely important. In particular, the light that complexity theory sheds on social systems raises serious questions about our traditional methods for modelling workflow, especially with regard to human-centred workflow.