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The SME Framework: A Process Model of Organizational Dynamics, Perception and Maturity

Description

The SME Framework (Sun–Moon–Earth) introduces a process-oriented model for understanding organizational dynamics as perception-based adaptive systems. Integrating systems theory, motivation research, emotional regulation, and complexity science, the framework conceptualizes organizations as continuously regulating social systems rather than stable entities.

The publication presents the theoretical foundations, methodological operationalization, maturity concept, and practical application of the SME Framework. Measurement is interpreted as temporal observation supporting collective organizational sensemaking and longitudinal development analysis.

This work represents an extended theoretical formulation of the SME Model originally introduced in Steiner (2025).

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Additional details

Additional titles

Subtitle
A Process Model of Organizational Dynamics, Perception and Maturity
Alternative title
The SME Framework
Alternative title
Sun–Moon–Earth (SME)
Alternative title
Sonne-Mond-Erde (SME)

Related works

Is supplement to
Journal: 10.5281/zenodo.17502359 (DOI)
Book: 10.5281/zenodo.18772517 (DOI)
Is supplemented by
Working paper: 10.5281/zenodo.18760109 (DOI)

References

  • Friston, K. (2010). The free-energy principle: A unified brain theory? Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 11(2), 127–138.
  • Luhmann, N. (1995). Social Systems. Stanford University Press.
  • Steiner, N. (2025). Die Arbeitswelt in 2030: Ressourcen oder Beziehungen.
  • Argyris, C., & Schön, D. A. (1996). Organizational Learning II. Addison-Wesley.
  • Tsoukas, H., & Chia, R. (2002). On organizational becoming. Organization Science, 13(5), 567–582.