The Micro, Meso, and Macro Relationships in Complex Systems’ Theory: A Different Perspective

In this chapter we propose to examine the micro, meso, and macro relationships in Economics from the “complex systems’ theoretical perspective.” The idea behind this interpretative proposal is to study the links between the company and the environmental context using the framework of some systemic theses and theories on complexity. We will make express reference to the logic of autopoietic systems, with particular attention to Luhmannian thinking on social systems. It would not make sense to discuss the theory of systems in general as many different conceptualizations fall within this extensive patrimony of studies, which cannot be framed in a unitary reflection but for some basic elements. We examine companies as complex autopoietic systems that take on significance as a function of the attempt to manage complexity and reproduce themselves. This stage of systemic thinking includes the theory developed by Luhmann regarding self-referential systems, to which, in many ways, we will refer when reviewing the micro, meso, and macro relationship in Economics. As the approach used is in line with developments in terms of self-regulatory, self-organizing, and autopoietic systems, we deemed it useful to briefly present these concepts for a better understanding of the conceptual context within which we will move.