Inter‐organisational projects as complex timescapes: Towards a process theory of temporal complexity

Abstract

Inter‐organisational projects (IOPs) are a core organisational form through which complex, cross‐sectoral and cross‐boundary collaboration is coordinated and enacted across organisations and society. As a prevalent form of temporary organising, IOPs bring together diverse actors operating within distinct and often incompatible temporal structures shaped by different rhythms, pacing, sequencing and time horizons. As such, they constitute paradigmatic contexts for temporal complexity. This complexity arises from the interaction of heterogeneous temporal structures, modes, rhythms and temporal arrangements. It generates multiple, divergent evolving temporal demands across synchronic and diachronic dimensions that actors must continuously align with and negotiate. However, despite its centrality, temporal complexity remains under‐theorised. We develop a recursive process theory of temporal complexity in IOPs and advance a conception of such projects as complex timescapes. We distinguish between structural temporal complexity, rooted in the inherent characteristics of IOPs, and dynamic temporal complexity, arising from contextual conditions that activate latent temporal paradoxes into salient temporal tensions. We further theorise temporal reflexivity as a multilevel meta‐capacity through which actors critically examine and reshape temporal assumptions and coordination practices, and we show how such interventions generate provisional temporal settlements alongside unintended consequences. In addition, we theorise how these outcomes recursively reshape the temporal conditions of organising, producing ongoing cycles of activation, response and restructuring. Overall, our work offers a conceptual lens for understanding temporality in complex, multi‐actor organisational settings.