Fractal Dimension
Organizations can measure structural complexity using an organizational complexity index inspired by fractal dimension.
Fractal dimension measures how aggressively a pattern colonizes available space - 'spatial greediness.' A smooth curve is dimension 1.0, a plane is dimension 2.0, but fractal structures can have non-integer dimensions. Coastlines have D ≈ 1.1-1.3, river networks D ≈ 1.7-1.9, vascular networks D ≈ 2.7-3.0. The box-counting method measures fractal dimension by overlaying grids of decreasing size and counting boxes touching the pattern.
Business Application of Fractal Dimension
Organizations can measure structural complexity using an organizational complexity index inspired by fractal dimension. D ≈ 3-4 suggests efficient structure analogous to biological networks. D > 5 suggests over-branching and bureaucracy. D < 2 suggests excessive flatness and overloaded managers.