The primary focus of the current paper was to examine the concept of chaos and its effects on project management systems as it applies to management theory. Management systems often fail because they do not recognize chaos; project management would be more efficient if Chaos Theory was taken into account. Additionally, management systems are more efficient with the empowerment of both individuals and teams. Insofar as chaos can be predicted and management systems tailored, management solutions should be modified in order to best suit each situation.
INTRODUCTION
Failures in project management systems can be superficially explained by anything from a lack of project detail to managerial conflicts. However, this failure often has deeper roots. Until we begin to recognize this uncontrollable factor it will be difficult to master the implementation of any management system. This factor is known as the "Chaos Theory" or simply "chaos". Chaos Theory could be considered a core management theory for the 21st century. According to Wheatley (1992) when management tries to control chaos by "shoehorning" it into a specific structure, an organization is bound to fail. Controlling chaos this rigidly is actually limiting information gathering (Stuart, 1995) and creating the illusion of management. According to McNamara (1999), Chaos Theory recognizes that events are rarely controlled. As systems such as those in management grow in complexity, the more they become volatile or susceptible to cataclysmic events.
One way to plan for such chaos is through "contingency management". Contingency management is having an alternative plan to fall back on when chaos strikes, allowing for critical internal processes to continue and meet the desired outcome. Most managers do no ...