Journal article
The Christchurch earthquakes’ impact on the Convergence gathering
Kybernetes, Vol.44(8/9), pp.1324-1330
2015
Abstract
Purpose:This paper takes a cybernetic perspective on the impact of the earthquakes on the Convergence gathering. Convergence is an organisation formed by a network of alternative life-stylers almost thirty years ago in Canterbury, New Zealand. It holds an annual six day gathering of 300-500 people over the New Year. Convergence evolved an acephalous structure in that there is no on-going structured leadership. Leadership occurs in distributed, low key, transient and self-selected ways. Convergence has had its challenges and generally proved itself to be resilient. Design/methodology/approach:This paper discusses the concepts of circularity, resilience, system archetypes, requisite variety, appreciative systems, network theory, antifragility, autopoiesis, structural coupling and learning organisations in relation to the Convergence gathering. Findings: The Christchurch earthquakes of late 2010 and 2011 had an enormous impact on the people of Christchurch. While the earthquakes have not had any significant direct effects on Convergence, a significant number of people involved in Convergence suffered major chronic trauma or changes to life circumstances, which has impacted on the organisation. Nearly five years later many participants are still traumatised, while others are energised to develop Convergence as an organisation pioneering an innovative way of operating. Research limitations/implications: This research is a part of an ongoing PhD research project so results to date are provisional. It may assist Convergence to understand the dynamics of perturbations. Practical implications: It may assist Convergence to understand the dynamics of perturbations. Originality/value: There is little written on acephalous operation especially in the medium scale range. It is also hoped this research will help other organisations considering an acephalous structure.
Details
- Title
- The Christchurch earthquakes’ impact on the Convergence gathering
- Authors
- Victor MacGill (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts and Business
- Publication details
- Kybernetes, Vol.44(8/9), pp.1324-1330
- Publisher
- Emerald Group Publishing Ltd.
- Date published
- 2015
- DOI
- 10.1108/K-10-2014-0216
- ISSN
- 0368-492X
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2015 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. This article is © Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here. Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449567602621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Web Of Science research areas
- Computer Science, Cybernetics