Learning Organizations and the Paradigm of Complexity: the Work Design Approach Department of Production Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil ODAM 2005 Elisabeth Dudziak Laerte Sznelwar Guilherme Plonski

Objectives of this paper The objective of this paper is presents a novel framework for organizational design and management based on complexity theory In particular, it discusses how the work system design in learning organization can be conceived, as a human process, according to a complex perspective

The objective of this paper is presents a novel framework for organizational design and management based on complexity theory

In particular, it discusses how the work system design in learning organization can be conceived, as a human process, according to a complex perspective

Issues Complexity Theory Complexity Theory applied to Organizational and Management Studies Learning Organization Concept Learning Organization and the Complexity Approach The Changing World of Work

Complexity Theory

Complexity Theory applied to Organizational and Management Studies

Learning Organization Concept

Learning Organization and the Complexity Approach

The Changing World of Work

Complexity Theory The complexity of Complexity From Latin Complexus : to embrace The Complexity origins Cybernetic Studies Leading pioneers in complexity include Prigogine and Stangers (1984), Maturana and Varela (1980), Kauffman (1993), Mandelbrot (1977), and Morin (1973). The Complex Thinking Nonlinear dynamics systems

The complexity of Complexity

From Latin Complexus : to embrace

The Complexity origins

Cybernetic Studies

Leading pioneers in complexity include Prigogine and Stangers (1984), Maturana and Varela (1980), Kauffman (1993), Mandelbrot (1977), and Morin (1973).

The Complex Thinking

Nonlinear dynamics systems

Complexity Theory applied to Organizational and Management Studies Three Levels Linear, Mechanicist Sociotechnical System Sociological System non-linear dynamic system, with focus on relationships, interactions, learning, innovation and dialogic processes Organization is self-organized, autonomous and self-sustainable

Three Levels

Linear, Mechanicist

Sociotechnical System

Sociological System

non-linear dynamic system, with focus on relationships, interactions, learning, innovation and dialogic processes

Organization is self-organized, autonomous and self-sustainable

Complexity Research applied to Organizational Studies Relationships Interdependent Processes Aggregate or Relational Complexity Chaos Theory Chaordic Organization Theory Deterministic Complexity Mathematical simulation Algorithm Complexity Characteristics Typology of Complexity

Aggregate or Relational Complexity

Deterministic Complexity

Algorithm Complexity

Learning Organization Concept became a classic subject in the Theory of the Organizations from the ends of the 70’ decade conceptual discussions Peter Senge (1999) and five disciplines

became a classic subject in the Theory of the Organizations from the ends of the 70’ decade

conceptual discussions

Peter Senge (1999) and five disciplines

How does complexity approach allow a better understand of Learning Organization? L.O. can be conceived as a complex system of interaction among individuals, networks and organizations, according to an organic metaphor

L.O. can be conceived as a complex system of interaction among individuals, networks and organizations, according to an organic metaphor

The Changing World of Work The work system is not a linear system it is a dynamic decision making based on a heuristic competence Variations enrich the work Self-directed learning and autonomy Participatory ergonomics Greater flexibility in working arrangements

The work system is not a linear system

it is a dynamic decision making based on a heuristic competence

Variations enrich the work

Self-directed learning and autonomy

Participatory ergonomics

Greater flexibility in working arrangements

The Changing World of Work Complexity gives a base to understand human factors in organizations the work is conceived as a integrative and relational activity, it is based on work contents and work interactions

Complexity gives a base to understand human factors in organizations

the work is conceived as a integrative and relational activity,

it is based on work contents and work interactions