Evolutionary ecology and organizations: a conversation between a biologist and an organization development practitioner

Abstract

PurposeNatural science principles allow a novel way to gain insight into human organizations. The paper aims to highlight this by using the format of a conversation.Design/methodology/approachThe authors discuss six key concepts from the science of evolutionary ecology selected by the first author, a natural scientist. The second author then applies observations of large and small organizations from her 40‐year career in organization development. Finally, the authors present the resulting ideas in the form of a conversation.FindingsThis exercise provides an interesting window into understanding organizational behavior.Practical implicationsAs practitioners of applied behavioral science recognize that human organizations are merely a microcosm of the natural world, they can develop fresh approaches for study and practice by applying concepts from evolutionary ecology.Originality/valueThe application of evolutionary ecology to human organizations will be a novel experience for most practitioners. As such, it offers an innovative perspective and an opportunity to improve understandings of the systems in which we all work.