Interpreting futures through the multi-level co-evolution of organizational practices

This paper explores the relationship between anticipatory cognitive frameworks and the multi-level co-evolution of practices within organizations, as the conceptualization of organizations in evolutionary terms influences the interpretation and development of futures. The paper begins with an overview of the evolutionary approach in the study of organizations, which is followed by the identification of units of analysis including habits, routines and cognitive frameworks. A conceptualization of the co-evolution of practices at multiple levels is then put forward, focusing on the role played by cognitive frameworks in the interpretation and anticipation of futures. In the process of these developments, three key tensions are identified including a temporal tension, tension between levels and tension with localism. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.