Wave Phenomena: A Set of Analogies for Organisational Dynamics

The physical sciences, particularly wave motion and optics are examined in order to develop a set of analogies which can be applied to organisational theory and practice. Such concepts as diffraction and focus exhibit remarkable parallels in both form and content with many aspects of mainstream organisational and managerial theory. Furthermore,the pervasiveness of wave motion in the physical sciences is not dissimilar from the pervasiveness of organisations in the social sciences. A series of concepts is introduced and, with the aid of diagrams, placed in a managerial context.