EN
This thesis discusses Fractal Decision-Making, a model that may enhance and enrich our
understanding of management and ethical leadership while providing a comprehensive
foundation for academic inquiry. Drawing from management theory, moral philosophy,
systems theory, and fractal organization theory, this model demonstrates its adaptability and
relevance across various cultural and business contexts. The thesis showcases empirical
evidence from organizations like Buurtzorg, FAVI, and NRG Flow B.V., offering valuable
insights and suggesting avenues for future research, making it a critical resource for
scholars.
The global business environment today is strangely enough both fragmented and
interconnected, marked by regional distinctions and global networks. Traditional, centralized
decision-making frameworks struggle to adapt swiftly to local conditions or address broader
impacts across these interconnected markets. Fractal Decision-Making offers a solution by
integrating decentralized decision-making with ethical governance, promoting
responsiveness to local needs while maintaining alignment with global objectives.
Fractal principles, known for their self-similarity and scalability, provide insights into
organizational structures that emphasize adaptability and ethical decision-making. By
applying fractal geometry, as seen in natural phenomena like coastlines and galaxies,
organizations can build resilient, agile systems. These ideas converge with Teal
organizational principles, which prioritize self-management, wholeness, and evolutionary
purpose, creating a shift from hierarchical to network-based structures.
The effectiveness of Fractal Decision-Making is supported by case studies from Buurtzorg,
FAVI, and NRG Flow B.V., which demonstrate improved performance and employee
satisfaction through decentralized decision-making. These organizations embody the valuesdriven
culture seen in Teal organizations, where ethical considerations guide decisionmaking.
However, the thesis also explores possible pitfalls, particularly through the
experience of NRG Flow B.V., raising important questions about the limitations of
decentralization.
Finally, this research opens the door to further exploration of how AI and blockchain may
enhance or challenge fractal organizations. While these technologies offer potential for
greater scalability and transparency, they also introduce ethical dilemmas that require careful
examination, leaving open the question of how organizations will balance these new tools
with ethical governance.