Coevolutionary dynamics and agent-based models in organization science

This paper provides empirical and theoretical support for the application of coevolutionary dynamics and agent-based models in organization science. The support stems from the following logical progression: (a) organization science theorists have explored, and in many instances, acknowledged the applicability of complexity theory to organization science research; (b) much of the acceptance for complexity science applications follows from the conceptualization of an organization as a complex adaptive system (CAS); (c) complexity science offers a robust explanation of order in natural and social systems; (d) revolutionary dynamics provide the mechanisms with the highest explanatory power for describing order-creation in social systems. This paper provides an overview of the literature for each element of the preceding logical progression and concludes with a discussion of the applications of agent-based models to instantiate coevolutionary dynamics