Signal
Information transmitted between cells, organisms, or systems that triggers a response. Signals can be chemical (hormones, pheromones), electrical (nerve impulses), or physical (light, sound, touch).
Biological Context
Signaling coordinates all biological activity. Cells signal through molecules binding to receptors. Organisms signal through behavior, chemicals, and sounds. Signal strength, timing, and specificity determine the response. Noise—random variation—can interfere with signal detection.
Business Application
Business signals: information that triggers organizational response. Market signals, customer feedback, competitive moves. Signal detection—distinguishing meaningful information from noise—is a core organizational capability. False signals cause wasted responses; missed signals cause missed opportunities.