Complexity Theory and Its Evolution in Public Administration and Policy Studies

Abstract

This paper traces the evolution of the application of the complexity sciences in the literature of public administration and public policy. A four stage evolutionary model is used to track the development of this literature. The evolution of the literature has now reached a third evolutionary stage. This third stage is a proliferant stage in the development of the literature in which applications and knowledge production has increased dramatically.

Keywords

• complexity sciences
• evolution
• emergence
• convergence
• proliference
• divergence
• public administration and policy studies.