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The Christchurch earthquakes’ impact on the Convergence gathering

Victor Ronald David MacGill (University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.)

Kybernetes

ISSN: 0368-492X

Article publication date: 7 September 2015

146

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to take 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 30 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 ongoing 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.

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.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The author gratefully acknowledges the assistance of Dr Marcus Bussey, University of the Sunshine Coast.

Citation

MacGill, V.R.D. (2015), "The Christchurch earthquakes’ impact on the Convergence gathering", Kybernetes, Vol. 44 No. 8/9, pp. 1324-1330. https://doi.org/10.1108/K-10-2014-0216

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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