FRACTAL ORGANISATIONS™

What are Fractals?

Simply put, fractals are shapes, the structures of which have similar features at different sizes.  Common examples are snowflakes, ferns and clouds that incorporate shapes that repeat from a molecular form all the way up to a visible entity.

Much as a very close inspection of a rock can show similar features to an aerial view of a mountain, fractal shapes are characterised by this property of self-similarity.

Fractal Organisations™

All effective organisations converge to a “fractal” form. That is, they have the same shape, characteristics, culture and operation attributes at all levels: the self-similarity. The most effective organisations are those who get closest to the fractal ideal.

The last fifty years of organisational and performance management has been directed to achieving efficient and effective organisations. When the ideas have not moved the organisation towards the fractal ideal they have had short-term success but have eventually failed. Classics in this area are the 90’s love affairs with BPR and complex ERP implementations, the majority of which are expensive monuments to some long forgotten egos.

Every attempt to make companies effective has been based on achieving the complex harmonies that are the basis of a fractal organisation™.

What is a Fractal Organisation™?

The fractal organisation™ is a firm that has the same structures explicit and implicit in every level of its entity. Where there is a common understanding, common goals, a common language set, common interests in making the organisation work and a respect for the internal team and the customers, a fractal organisation™ starts to emerge.

Fractal organisations™ are also characterised by their ability to:

• Change themselves dynamically in response to internal and external environments

• Accept change as part of their daily work pattern

• Reflect and respond to their customers needs almost before they are made explicit

How can you achieve it?

By developing and introducing processes, value systems, structures and communications that are consistent and resonant from the main board directors to the newest employee.

Who can help?

CHI Strategy has been created to support UK and European companies in the move towards building this fractal structure within their teams. CHI Strategy does this by working with you and for you to:

• Understand your current situation

• Develop the version of fractal model that best meets your needs

• Go through the changes needed to achieve the fractal organisation™ structure

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Last updated: 28/11/02

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