White Blood Cell Behavior as an Organizational Metaphor

Abstract

The immune system is a complex system of cells and organs that function as an identification system with the simple function of recognizing dysfunctional cells within the host and recognizing exogenous infections. White blood cell behavior brings together the understanding of threat identification, an appropriate response to the level of the threat, creation of memory to that response, and a return to a basal state after the threat. Both organizations and the immune system need to identify and create boundaries and core competencies. When organizational rules are created, they must include appropriate level of communication relative to the threat, corrective action plans to stop the error or threat, and the use of critical incident reports to describe the situation, mitigating factors, and successful conclusion of the event. For organizations, the metaphor of lymphocyte behavior allows for specific structural rules and processes that will allow it to respond appropriately to threats or error. This organizational metaphor is in keeping with our understanding of Scripture and its specificity to the world. As Christian leaders, we can use this organizational metaphor, both to better understand biologic behavior, organizational behavior, and to marvel at the specificity of creation.