Christopher Alexander, Sara Ishikawa, and Murray Silverstein , A Pattern Language, Oxford University Press, 1977; ISBN 0195019199.
An example of a system of rules intended to produce emergent properties. We can argue about whether the rules are successful or not, but the rules themselves make interesting reading. Also, an excellent if too-brief discussion of the design of workspaces.
James Gleick , Chaos: Making a New Science, Penguin USA, 1988; ISBN 0140092501.
A gentle introduction to chaos theory.
Stuart Kauffman , At Home in the Universe: The Search for Laws of Self-Organization and Complexity, Oxford University Press, 1996; ISBN 0195111303.
A slightly less gentle introduction to chaos theory.
Roger Lewin , Complexity: Life at the Edge of Chaos, Collier Books, 1994; ISBN 0020147953.
More chaos theory.
Margaret Wheatley , Leadership and the New Science, Berrett-Koehler Pub, 1994; ISBN 1881052443.
Uses self-organizing systems as a metaphor for management.