Complexity theory review

COMPLEXITY THEORY Review

The Complex Dynamics of Human Flourishing Inquiry / Advocacy Emotional Space Fredrickson & Losada (2005). American Psychologist, 60 , 678-686.

Characteristics of Complexity
Complexity: The swooping ever-changing dynamic butterfly shape that is unpredictable in the short to medium term.
Simple rule structures account for complex phenomena
Connections: The rules define the relationships, connections and links between autonomous agents
Edge: Innovation and change is initiated at the edge
Well-being: Is the pleasure of being involved with a dynamic & unpredictable group

Complexity in Organisations
The dabba wallahs of Mumbai deliver & return 200 000 lunch boxes a day with only 4 signals
The $100 motorcycle is built by suppliers deciding the design among themselves
The 787 was built with a 20 page design specification
See British aerospace and Ben Zander for close-to-home practical examples that integrate ideas with practice

Personal Leadership
Understand the groups we are drawn to
Acknowledge and appreciate the moments of flow when we really enjoy ourselves and take the initiative with ease
Explore our engagement with valued groups as questions & responses (rather than as acts-of-will when we might try to make them do our bidding)
Relevance: Understanding life at the edge, teaching other people about the new economy, personal well-being, personal reflexivity, and the epistemological reflexivity and political reflexivity of a contemporary ‘leader’

Understanding Complexity Theory in Management
Complexity theory underpins the broaden-and-build theory
Can we intervene in simple ways to stimulate the complex dynamics of flourishing?
What are the simple ‘rules’ that account for complex phenomenon like flourishing and leadership?
Losada’s rules?
The boids?
Where are examples of the “edge economy” and how does complexity theory change the way we understand organizations and manage working life?
Minimally, do we understand complexity and the way we engage with complex adaptive systems? Ultimately, can we reform languishing western economies to give you the exciting engaged life that you long for?

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Complexity theory review

by Jo Jordan on Jul 19, 2011

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Complexity theory review — Presentation Transcript