Ultra-Darwinism

Originally posted on www.marketingjunky.com on the date of   6/03/2009

One form of evolutionary theory is Ultra-Darwinism, which relates development not to survival of the fittest, but of the fittest genetic material. In socio-cultural evolution, the equivalent of the gene has been called the meme, an idea, saying or ritual which propagates itself through a society in much the same way as the spread of a computer virus.

It is evident that evolution can be related to not only socio-cultural change, but organziational development.  The basic premise of evolution theory is that when faced with challenging conditions the most innovative and ingenious species, cultures and organizations adapt and change.  Thus, technologies could be considered memes carried by organisations and replicated at different levels within an organisation and beyond. What can also be considered memes are the employees within an organization.  If they embody the best and brightest, then their ideas become the catalysts for change.

What is clear about evolution theory, irrespective of what area is being researched is that when faced with widespread challenges within an environment, market, economy or social system a pruning of the weak occurs.  That is, the innovative, most nimble and quick to react evolve and adapt to meet the requirements of their surroundings.   It forces shifts to occur, and re-engineers organisms, organizations and cultures into more refined beings and entities.   This is where the truly strong survive.

We should all take a long hard look at ourselves and our impact on our environment.  Are we the agents of change, or the impediments to future success.  Only time will tell.

Advertisement