Actions' Irreversibility
The last proposition deals with the irreversibility of chaotic systems. In theory, a system can encounter the same situation several times. However, the probability of seeing such a recurrence is so low that we can consider that a chaotic system will never find itself twice in the same situation. Consequently, in an orga- nization, it is unlikely that the same action, taken twice, will lead to the same result. As an example and based on his thorough study on how successful organi- zations fail, Miller (1990) shows that the very actions which once produced excellent results might lead one day to failure. Not only are the results unpredictable but, even in the case where actions are based on similar past experiences, results are different. This argument gives support to Nystrom and Starbuck (1984), who advise organizations to "unlearn" in order to avoid falling into the trap of routine when new responses are required to confront organizational crises