Purpose -The paper aims first of all to identify the stage of the life cycle of rapidly growing Lithuanian enterprises and the main challenges that management faces at a particular stage. Design/methodology/approach -The methodology of the study is based on the research works carried out by Hanks and Watson, Miller and Friesen and Kazanjian. On the basis of the selected factors an original questionnaire was developed and administered to eight Lithuanian companies. Findings -Main findings of the empirical study show that rapidly growing Lithuanian companies correspond to the main life cycle features and face specific problems that were partially reported by numerous research works but also some unique ones. Findings confirm the reliability of the life cycle studies.Research limitations/implications -The research could be extended to the broader sample, especially into different sectors. Also it would be beneficial to carry out the study in different countries with developing economies to test unique findings of the research. Practical implications -The findings can be used by managers to predict and prepare for meeting effectively the challenges associated with certain stages of enterprise growth. Originality/value -The paper is a first attempt to apply organisational life cycle theory in order to systemise the challenges that Lithuanian enterprises face, and to contribute to the development of the debate on organisational life cycle theory reliability.

Purpose -The main purpose of this article is to survey and analyze the paradigm of complex dynamic systems (CDSs) and the possibility of applying them in the management of social systems, because the CDS perspective is taking its maiden steps in this field, whereas it already has widespread support in physics, biology, and even philosophy. Design/methodology/approach -A systematic and logical analysis of the CDS paradigm, the differences between physical, biological, social, and humanitarian systems, and the changes in the philosophy of systems are described in the paper. Findings -This paper and the published studies reported are the first to show that the CDS paradigm is undoubtedly not a fashion but a necessity, if we are to manage social systems more efficiently. Originality/value -This paper is a first attempt to analyze CDSs and the possibility of applying them in the management of social systems.

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