Exploration of Meaning as Emergent Phenomenon in Transformation by Dr Cynthia Cavalli

An Exploration of Meaning as Emergent Phenomenon in Transformational Experiences

Cynthia Cavalli*

Abstract

Cambray (2009) and Hogenson (2005) proposed that synchronicity, C. G. Jung’s symbolically

based theory of meaningful coincidence, is emergent and complex in nature. A study was

conducted to explore this proposal, focusing in particular on the relationship between the

emergence of meaning in synchronicity using Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenological method in

psychology (2009). The current paper extrapolates from the essential structure to suggest

adaptations for organisational contexts, in an example of theory building from individual to

organisational level. The results of the study are examined for implications to the field of

organisational complexity especially with respect to uncertainty, meaning, and non-rational

approaches.

Key Words: synchronicity, meaningful coincidence, emergence, complexity, emergence of

meaning.

*Cynthia Cavalli has a doctorate in human and organisational systems from Fielding Graduate

University. She also has an MBA, and a BS in Physics, with 30 years of experience in aerospace

engineering. She is currently studying the psychology of C. G. Jung using the perspective of

complexity science and emergent processes for implications to organisations. Cynthia can be

reached at: [email protected].

Disclaimer: This case has been written solely as the basis for class discussion, for educational

and development purposes and is not intended to illustrate either effective or ineffective handling

mailto:[email protected]


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of an administrative situation or to represent successful or unsuccessful managerial decision

making or endorse the views of management. Some of the names, events, financial and other

information has been disguised or camouflaged to protect the identity and to maintain the

confidentiality

Introduction

This paper examines the results of a study on synchronicity and emergence (Cavalli, 2013) for

implications to the field of organisational complexity. The study was conducted to explore the

relationship between synchronicity, C. G. Jung’s theory of meaningful coincidence, and

complexity science through the phenomenon of emergence. Specifically, the study used

phenomenological methods to research the experience of meaning that arises out of life changing

synchronicities for nine individuals. The results seem to correlate with models of organisational

change and transformation found in the literature. This paper summarises the main similarities

and concludes with the value the study holds for organisations as complex systems.

Need for Study

The twentieth century psychiatrist, C. G. Jung observed certain patterns in the experiences of his

patients where inner subjective events seemed to match or in some way correlate with outer

events. He formulated his theory of synchronicity using observations from his clinical practice.

A key challenge in science then, as now, is how subjectively experienced inner reality is related

to externally observed reality. Together with his collaborator physicist Wolfgang Pauli, Jung


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believed synchronicity concerned this intersection in some way and explored it from the

perspective of quantum mechanics. Developments in the field of complexity science make it an

even more appropriate framework to consider synchronicity. Drawing from the work of

researchers who are reconsidering synchronicity in the context of complexity (Hogenson, 2005;

Cambray, 2009), the study explored the connection between synchronicity, meaning, and

emergence using Giorgi’s phenomenological descriptive method in psychology (2009). The

essential structure obtained from the experiences of the nine participants reveals certain

dynamics that may hold value for individuals as well as organisations. This paper extrapolates

from the results at the individual nd identifies certain dynamics from Jung’s theory that are

proposed for adaptation at the organisational level.

Objective

The study’s objective was to explore the connection between synchronicity and complexity by

focusing on the emergence of meaning from a life changing synchronistic experience. The

objective of this paper is to adapt certain results from the study at the individual level for use at

the organisational level.

Research Method

The hypothesis of the study proposes that there is a connection between synchronicity and

complexity and that this connection can be explored through the experience of meaning from a

synchronistic event. The study used a method developed by Giorgi known as The Descriptive


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Phenomenological Method in Psychology (2009) in conjunction with alchemical hermeneutics as

described by Romanyshyn (2007). The research method, as applied to phenomenology, requires

some adaptation for use in psychology; Giorgi’s method also seeks meanings correlated with the

facts of the experience.

The alchemical hermeneutic (AH) refers to an attitude Romanyshyn employs to illustrate the

dynamics of soul-oriented research, especially focusing on reflection. Phenomenological

reflection is both asy and difficult—easy because seeing the meaning of a phenomenon is

something everyone does all the time every day; but the determination and explication of

meaning of a phenomenon is the more difficult task of phenomenological reflection (Van Manen,

1990). AH deepens this act of reflection into a purposeful reverie. By approaching the work with

emptiness and a lack of agenda, the text is invited to tell its tale (Romanyshyn, 2007).

By applying this methodology to the lived experience of individuals, the study sought to identify

areas that can be correlated to emergence, providing linkage to complexity. This paper then

draws from these results to identify theoretical elements for adaptation to organisational

contexts.

Data Collection and Results

The following sections describe the participant demographics, data collection, analysis, and

results.


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Participant Demographics

Nine individuals took part in this study, selecting names of their own choosing. Participants were

selected for experiences that involved life changing synchronicities. Each participant was

required to have had enough time to reflect on and develop some understanding around their

experience (Table 64.1).

Table 64.1.Participant Demographics

Source: C. Cavalli (2013)

Participant Selection

Participants were solicited using social networking tools and other recruiting methods. An initial

conversation (via phone and/or email) was used to confirm that each participant had experienced

the phenomenon of synchronicity, defined as experience of an inner event that matches an outer

Participant Gender Age Range Geographical Location Ethnicity Education Profession

Jen F 21 to 40 Southeast USA White PhD Professor

Shirley F 60 to 80 Northeast US White Masters Psychiatric Nurse

Mary Alice F n/p Pacific Northwest White PhD Jungian Play Therapist

Karin Ann F 21 to 40 not provided White Masters Therapist/Energy Work

Beth Anne F 41 to 60 Western US White/Native American PhD Nurse/Writer/Mythologist

Kira F 41 to 60 Northeast US White PhD IT/Naturopath

Rani F 21 to 40 Northeast US Indian Masters Finance & Mental Health

Vivian F 21 to 40 Western US White PhD Spiritual Teacher

Remo Roth M 60 to 80 Northern Europe White PhD Writer/Healer/Therapist


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event, that is connected by meaning but not by cause and effect, and that they had had time to

process the experience enough to discuss it in depth.

Data Collection

Interviews were set up with each participant, and conducted using an open ended interview

format to gain as much detail and information as possible about each participant’s experience.

Each interview was recorded digitally and transcribed using the tool ‘Express Scribe’ available

online. The recordings were listened to at least three or more times, and each transcribed

interview was read at least five or more times, to gain an overall feeling for the data as a whole.

With each reading, personal impressions and reactions were recorded separately for bracketing

purposes.

Data Analysis

Each research protocol, consisting of the transcribed interviews for each participant, was

carefully reviewed while employing a combined phenomenological and an alchemical

hermeneutic attitude. Significant statements were drawn from this review if they provided insight

into the meaning of the event, deep emotion associated with the event, transformative aspect of

the event, reaction to the event, or insight into the structure or explanation of the event.

Following Giorgi’s method (Giorgi, 2009), these significant statements were reworded into the

third person to avoid over-identification with the participant. These statements were next


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transformed into psychologically relevant meaning units, frequently referring back to the original

protocol to ensure true meaning of the statement was retained with nothing added or removed.

A situated structure was constructed from these meaning units; themes were identified from the

situated structure, and then summarised as thematic clusters. These steps were repeated for each

participant, resulting in nine tables of thematic clusters. Common thematic clusters were

identified across the nine tables; imaginative variation was used to determine essential

constituents, discarding the rest. These final thematic clusters constitute the essential structure of

the phenomenon, resulting in eight elements, as shown in Table 64.2. The clusters of themes

were then condensed into a structural description of the phenomenon, described in the diagnosis

and analysis section below.


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Table 64.2.Thematic Clusters, Frequency of Occurrence, Essential Structure

Thematic Clusters - Essential Structure Frequency

Crisis (death, divorce, loss of job, etc.) 9

Disruption of Emotional Balance (depression, grief, loss of direction, etc.) 9

Uncertainty (navigating without knowing, waiting, moving one step at a time) 7

Synchronicity or Non-rational Juxtaposition of Seemingly Unrelated Events 9

Numinosity (awe, feeling of sacredness/holiness, etc.)

8

Also Peak/flow experience (Samadhi, timeless, superhuman experience)

Recognition of bigger things at work – divine plan, life's larger pattern 9

Meaning (gradual unfolding, sudden understanding/emergent meaning) 9

Life Transformed (Crisis was pivotal for transformation - made me who I am) 9

Source: C. Cavalli (2013)

Diagnosis and Analysis

The main finding of the study is the essential structure, which was comprised of the following

elements—Crisis, Disruption of Emotional Balance, Uncertainty, Synchronicity, Numinosity

(Awe), Recognition of Life’s Larger Pattern, Meaning and Transformation. These elements

constitute the essential structure of the experience of meaning for individuals experiencing a life-

changing synchronicity. Three of the theme clusters, ‘synchronicity’, ‘meaning’ and ‘life’

transformed, were required for participation, and so are by default part of the essential structure


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of the phenomenon under study. Although the theme clusters as listed seem to comprise a flow,

not all participants experienced the elements in this specific order.

Analysis of the essential structure elements follows.

Crisis, Disruption of Emotional Balance

The findings indicate that the theme ‘crisis’ may not be specifically essential to the structure as

long as the theme of ‘disruption of emotional balance’ is present. In life, the two usually go

together, as they did for every participant in this study. But it seems the ‘disruption of emotional

balance’ was the critical aspect. After experiencing crisis many participants reported feeling

depressed for a period of time. Some described feelings of loneliness or disorientation, which is

why this category is called ‘disruption of emotional balance’ rather than ‘depression’. This

departure from one’s normal attitude appeared to facilitate the ability to discern the unusual

juxtaposition of events constituting the synchronicity.

Uncertainty, Synchronicity

The theme of ‘uncertainty’ often occurred concurrently with ‘disruption of emotional balance’.

During uncertain periods, previous or normal rules of conduct seemed suspended, and

participants found themselves unable to do anything but wait for further information or insight to

emerge. Several participants described their experience of the element ‘synchronicity’ by

suggesting how to navigate ‘uncertainty’. The process generally involved moving one step at a


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time and waiting for further information. One participant described synchronicity as based on the

Chinese principle of Tao saying that life is teleological and something in us knows the future of

our life, and where the Tao wants to lead us. When the Tao is not followed, synchronicities come

to show the way forward. Continued resistance of the individual’s path could result in negative

synchronicities.

Synchronicity as Non-rational Juxtaposition of Seemingly Unrelated Events

For many, the recognition that a synchronicity occurred, or more specifically that something

from inner life had been matched in outer reality, had a shocking effect. In fact, the element of

‘synchronicity’ was given the alternate name ‘non-rational juxtaposition of seemingly unrelated

events’ precisely because it was this aspect of unconventional pairing of inner and outer

experiences that seems critical.

Numinosity

The experience of ‘awe’, often accompanying the realization that a synchronicity has occurred,

even seems to partner with the ‘non-rational juxtaposition of seemingly unrelated events’ (or

synchronicity) to direct attention away from ordinary human experience. Certainly experiences

accompanied by awe and numinosity were considered more memorable and appeared to have

greater impact on overall experience. For those who had it, the numinous aspect of experience

was unforgettable, and remained unclouded with the passing of time.


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Recognition of Larger Life Pattern

This next essential element refers to the insight all participants described, that there is a larger

pattern in life far bigger than one’s own personal plan. This realization may be responsible for

the meaning experienced by the participants, and seems to coincide with a shift in attitude

towards acceptance and healing. This realization may even ‘cause’ the shift in attitude and

acceptance, resulting in both healing and meaning. While none of the participants actually

attributed cause in this way, it remains a possibility. Furthermore, it appears that this recognition

of a larger pattern in life is facilitated directly by the synchronicity. To be more specific, it

appears that it is the recognition that an inner event is inexplicably connected with an outer event

that shifts the individual out of a normal world view, giving them a glimpse of the larger pattern

at work in life, and in turn radically altering one’s attitude, bringing acceptance and healing.

Meaning

The experience of meaning was the focal point of the study and was found to manifest both

gradually and suddenly. Meaning appears to occur when the individual is able to make sense of

the elements of the big experience that happened, to put them in a larger context, find some

purpose in them, or understand how ‘what happened’ relates to the individual’s personal life.

This appears to occur in multiple layers, sometimes happening over time as future events unfold,

providing greater context; and also swiftly, with sudden insight. Several respondents described

their experience of meaning as resulting from following the thread of synchronicity as it wove

through their crisis. Once the meaning around the otherwise confounding experience was


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obtained, healing was spontaneous and the suffering ended. The achievement of meaning or

understanding related to the diminishing of uncertainty.

Transformation

This was a required element (as was ‘meaning’). The sentiment ‘crisis was pivotal for

transformation’ or ‘the crisis made me who I am’ was expressed by all participants. These

realizations appear to result once the experience of meaning had been integrated across the

course of many more life events. They also relate to the experience of healing. In fact, the sub-

theme ‘the experience made me what I am today’, seems to manifest, once the experience of

meaning has been integrated across the course of life, and the unfolding of life has turned

uncertainties into understanding. It then becomes possible to see how tragedy or malaise, the

very thing that we deem should never have been, turns out to be essential, a pivotal event we

would never choose, but is nevertheless fundamental to our being, what makes us who we are,

the so-called ‘blessings in disguise’. This realization may not be necessary to transformation but

is nonetheless incidental to it.

The essential structure elements may appear sequential but often were not experienced as such.

Sometimes elements were repeated, at other times several elements manifested simultaneously.

Nevertheless, it does appear that the crisis lent itself to the disruption of emotional balance,

which in turn facilitated a state of mind whereby the unusual juxtaposition of inner and outer

events could be recognised. Often recognition of this juxtaposition was shocking and produced

awe, a sense of sacred purpose, and coincided with the glimpse of life’s larger pattern. Often the


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elements of ‘synchronicity’, ‘numinosity’, and ‘recognition of life’s larger pattern’ occurred

simultaneously. In some cases ‘recognition of life’s larger pattern’ seemed to catalyze the

experience of meaning, and healing occurred simultaneously at this point as well. This

recognition of life’s larger pattern seemed facilitated by the synchronicity which allowed a

deeper experience and understanding of how inner and outer realities are connected. All of these

elements taken together contributed to the transformation.

Regarding complexity, the study found that multiple forms of emergence do occur through the

experience of meaning from life-changing synchronicities and further study would help identify

the kinds of complexity manifested. But the conclusion of the study relevant to this paper is that

once meaning emerges around even very difficult or painful situations, healings are also affected,

and transformation is likely.

Background on Jung and the Psyche

Since the study explored the Jungian concept of synchronicity, a review of certain elements of

Jung’s framework of the psyche is helpful in providing context for the data results.

The Collective Unconscious

Jung is best known for his development of the ‘collective unconscious’, a hypothetical construct

(Brooke, 1991) which constitutes the third of three distinct but ‘dynamically interrelated’ levels

constituting Jung’s conception of the psyche. These levels are summarised briefly. The first level


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is ‘consciousness’, also known as ‘ego-consciousness’ consisting of all that is conscious in an

individual. The ego in Jung’s framework is the vehicle used to meaningfully navigate a person

through consciousness and life, and where the individual’s sense of identity lies. The second

level is the personal unconscious, consisting of all that used to be conscious in an individual; it is

also where dreams occur. The third level is the ‘collective unconscious’, which contains

completely unknown, unconscious material that never comes into contact with consciousness; it

is also where psyche and matter meet (Von Franz, 1992).

Compensation/Individuation/Transcendent Function

The psyche in Jung’s framework consists of what is conscious and unconscious, and is where

experience and meaning are integrated (Brooke, 1991). It is also homeostatic, in other words, it

is a self-regulating system that finds equilibrium through feedback loops between conscious and

unconscious content. Jung termed this process compensatory (Aziz, 1990).

Unconscious compensatory mechanisms are activated when a conflict arises between a person’s

conscious position and his/her unconscious desires, drives, and instincts. This action is most

notable through dreams, symptoms, fantasies, etc., and continues until a new, transcendent

position is attained (Aziz, 1990) and only emerges from holding the tension of opposites long

enough for the possibility of a third position to form. Miller (2004) describes this transcendent

function as the primary means through which reconciliation of opposing tensions is

accomplished and is an example of the psyche’s self-regulation capability. The transcendent


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function typically manifests through symbols; it is experienced as a new attitude towards life.

The data show elements of this process carried out in every participant’s experience.

Building on this theory of compensation, Jung developed a broader concept of personality

development called ‘individuation’. He noticed that compensation served more to develop the

individual’s whole personality than simply dealing with one’s immediate problems. Contrary to

what individuals may believe about themselves, the ego, or primary agent of consciousness and

personal identity, is not in control but is rather led to the goal of wholeness by the unconscious.

Thus, the psyche not only maintains equilibrium, but is also self-realizing, purposive, and goal-

oriented (Aziz, 1990).

Reviewing the results from Jung’s framework, the data show strong correlation with the concept

of individuation, particularly when the essential structure is considered from the perspective of

ego development. The unfolding events that also resulted in transformation in every case align

with the concepts of the transcendent function and compensation.

Jung’s studies on synchronicity concluded that meaning is a connecting principle in the world,

and that it works in conjunction with cause and effect, which is more widely recognized as

responsible for organising reality (Jung and Pauli, 1955). The current study also indicates that

transformation of the individual becomes possible once meaning emerges.


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Further Observations of Study Results

Although these results refer to individuals, the ability to relate to uncertainty and large scale

change using non-rational modes of knowing and discernment (such as are found in Jungian

frameworks) have value for individuals in organisational contexts.

In addition to validating Jung’s concept of individuation, elements of the essential structure also

correlate with the literature on organisational change and transformation, especially when viewed

through the lens of complexity science.

Complexity and Organisations

Immediate similarities can be seen between this study’s results and observations gleaned from

literature on organisational change and transformation. For example, Heifetz’ framework for

adaptive leadership (1994), which seeks to transform rather than provide technical solutions,

identifies adaptive challenges requiring ‘sustained periods of disequilibrium’. The framework

also requires leadership behaviour called ‘embracing uncertainty’. Another kind of behaviour

concerns encouraging rich interactions through ‘sense-making’ which correlates with meaning

that arises through a relational understanding of the various elements of experience in the study’s

structure.

Since Lichtenstein’s studies (2000; 2009) offer representative examples of organisational

complexity principles from across the field, they are used in this paper as reference points. For


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example, he suggests a fourth condition of emergence, in addition to the three identified by

Prigogine (1955):

(1) conditions must be far from equilibrium;

(2) amplification of fluctuations near a threshold;

(3) self-organisation of structure composed of existing system elements;

(4) the fourth condition is gleaned from organisational research; and

(5) stabilization and negative feedback, which was demonstrated as critical to sustaining

successful transformations in organisations by Sastry (1997).

Note again that for emergence to occur, equilibrium must be disturbed; the system reorganises

itself (transformation, emergence); and the system re-stabilises using a feedback loop.

The fourth condition echoes the feedback loop found in the compensatory function described by

Jung, indeed they all appear to reflect the conditions identified in the study as essential to the

emergence of meaning. Elsewhere, Lichtenstein (Lichtenstein and Plowman, 2009) describes

behaviours that generate conditions for emergence in the organisational context including

‘disruption of existing patterns’, ‘sensemaking’, and even ‘embracing uncertainty’. Even a

superficial understanding of these terms indicates striking similarities that are recommended for

further exploration.


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Extrapolating from the Essential Structures for Organisational Use

The field of organisational complexity already addresses the experience of ‘collective

individuals’ from the complexity perspective. This study extends those results by providing a

complexity perspective on individual experience and introducing Jung’s concept of the dynamic

and self-regulating psyche, including the processes of compensation and the transcendent

function. It also introduces Jung’s concept of individuation which possesses the element of

teleology not typically found in other organisational perspectives. The essential structure reveals

how these elements interrelate, and lead to transformation. Although how they manifest may be

different, their existence at the organisational level is certain.

The deeper value of this study for organisations therefore, lies in its inclusion ofunconscious,

non-rational phenomena, acausal effects, and teleology or final causes. These critical elements

represent aspects of reality often unrecognised by traditional research. They are often taboo in

the arena of science, being regarded as overly subjective and non-quantifiable. But as years of

psychoanalytic research have demonstrated, these elements have substantive impact on human

perception and definition of reality, what we observe and experience.

For example, only one of the nine participants claimed a religious affiliation. Yet every

participant, over the course of the experience they shared, became convinced of a teleological

aspect to reality and for their lives in particular. This perhaps does not make it so, but is certainly

worthy of further study. In an organisational context, such an idea can have significant impact,


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that individual destiny has a goal that may extend to aspects of the organisation as well, not in a

deterministic sense, but by providing a larger sense of purpose and framework for meaning.

Consider also the direction to ‘embrace uncertainty’ found in Lichtenstein’s model for emergent

conditions (2009) which is challenging to achieve because it goes against typical organisational

requirements for metrics and control. Periods of uncertainty are often met with increased control

or disunity, not by embracing the fearful concerns that accompany disruptive cycles. Ironically, it

is precisely at these times when the potential for productive change has most to offer. This was

certainly true to a radical extent for the participants in the study. The study data also indicate that

‘how’ the period of uncertainty is navigated, matters. Several participants chose to engage their

dreams during this time, even without knowledge of Jung or his psychological framework. The

compensatory dynamic is revealed through dreams and synchronicities and can be tracked by

developing a practice of observation and journaling. Several participants in the study used their

dreams and synchronicities to guide them through phases of their lives. When logic and rational

planning no longer worked, these exercises reoriented them and proved very helpful in making

meaning of painful experiences. They also aligned them with what they came to consider their

personal destiny. The practice of following dreams, of developing individual intuition, and

recognizing synchronicities, all impart a larger understanding of the non-linear dynamics found

in life that are beyond one’s control. All of the participant’s post-experience continue to rely on

their dreams to reveal potential realities. Recognizing the teleological aspect behind one’s life

enables a trust that what transpires in life is not random, but may be part of a larger plan.


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One of the essential characteristics of synchronicity concerns the acausal relationship between

inner and outer events that nevertheless match in some way and are meaningfully connected.

Developing a capacity for recognizing the inter-connection of subjective and objective

experience facilitates a larger systems or holistic perspective of the situation. In this arena,

rational and linear approaches are usually not sufficient alone in integrating unconscious

material.

It may be unrealistic to expect that such practice will be readily adopted at the organisational

level, at least without prior education or training. But organisational members are not just

knowledgeable about the job they were hired to do, they are also individual members of

customer communities, and users of goods and services with first-hand knowledge of trends and

market shifts. In organisations where a healthy degree of intuition is encouraged, there is a

double benefit. Not only will each member be productive to the task at hand, but as members of

the community at large could provide feedback and information that could help the organisation

remain relevant to its customers.

Recommendations

In order to translate theory into practical application, this question must be answered, ‘What

practices facilitate the elements of this framework in an organisational context?’ A short list of

sample practices follows. These are general guidelines however, since novel, tailor-made

solutions will arise where co-workers are encouraged to be creative and flexible in sharing their

ideas.


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Dialogue

The practice of ‘dialogue’, as described by David Bohm (1996), is a regularly occurring,

deepening conversation between dedicated individuals where trust facilitates the ability to

address subjects otherwise too sensitive to discuss fully. This is an ongoing, long term activity

whose benefit builds the more it is utilised.

World Café

The World Café (Brown, 2005) is another example of emergent conversation but generally

occurs in single instances, or as needed. It helps foster understanding of the theoretical elements

of the transcendent function, and is a useful tool when enmeshed in especially intractable

situations. If the tension of opposing forces can be held without manipulation, eventually a well-

integrated third position emerges. This method has demonstrated how large groups of people can

quite quickly come to an emerging consensus around divisive issues.

Mind-mapping

These types of activities help teams track the relationships between and across the movement of

ideas. This can facilitate a greater ability to recognise patterns and relationships between

elements constituting synchronistic potentials. Story-telling and learning the symbolism in

mythologies can also facilitate deeper understanding of emergent patterns in nature. Using


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meaning to connect otherwise independent map elements can add further insight into a group’s

operations.

Improvisation

Group improvisational activities, stand-up comedy or speech routines, impromptu acting

sketches, are also examples of activities that foster greater ease in dealing with uncertain

situations. The point is to gain greater comfort level with one’s own creative ability to rise to

whatever occasion emerges. What is so often disregarded or even suppressed within the

organisational structure actually possesses, as this study shows, positive and creative resources

for resolving and even reconceiving periods of uncertainty into unique, transformational

opportunities.

Conclusion

Life consists of both rational and non-rational elements. The study of complexity in

organisations recognises this fact, but without also recognising and incorporating the non-

rational elements of individual psyche, organisations risk falling short. Meaning is also a

powerful tool that can offer important leverage in the organisational context. The study’s

essential structure holds insights into the nature not only of meaning in synchronicity, but also

transformation and change at a deeply human level that possesses value for organisational

contexts, especially when leveraging complexity frameworks. Applying non-rational approaches

to life’s challenges, both at individual and organisational levels, is critical to navigating


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uncertainty in a meaningful way. Extrapolating the individual study results in organisational

contexts is worthy of further study and would add considerably to the existing body of

knowledge on complexity in organisations.

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Exploration of Meaning as Emergent Phenomenon in Transformation by Dr Cynthia Cavalli

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