On the Blessings that Chaos Brings: A Closer Look at Conflict Through the Lens of Chaos Theory

This paper’s main argument is that chaos and conflict serve the vital mutual purpose of awakening motivating forces that rattle the status quo. We explore chaos theory’s central assertion that disorder is a prerequisite for system renewal, and that chaos propels systems to higher levels of complex functioning through self-organization. We argue that the notion of transformation being proposed by several theories of conflict follows in the same vein. At the core of such theories is the belief that conflict creates the necessary tension that facilitates the process of unfreezing from a current state that one seeks to change. Introducing instability in stable lasting conflicts jolts the system, and releases motivation for change. We focus primarily on two conflict theories—conflict dynamic systems perspective, and on constructive controversy theory. Both assert that creating deliberate conceptual conflict results in disequilibrium and raises uncertainty about the correctness of a position and its rationale. Being a necessary condition that leads to novel solutions, the argument is that self-renewing organizations deliberately creates some degree of chaos and conflict through internal shocks that question mainstream assumptions and beliefs, thereby introducing a sense of perceived instability that ultimately leads to change. This paper explores parallels between chaos theory and several conflict models; we propose key properties that each approach shares to a varying degree with theory of chaos. In doing so, we focus on chaotic and conflict states, and the way they can be leveraged for producing positive outcomes for individuals and organizations. We conclude with a set of recommendations and practical implications for the management of chaos and conflict states.