Foundations of Complexity: Complexity theory, the field of study of complex systems, is a relatively recent theory. It is a broad theory encompassing nine research traditions—an aggregation of principles, concepts, theories, and disciplines. The nine interrelated complexity research traditions include: systems thinking, theoretical biology, nonlinear dynamical systems, graph theory, phase transitions, Turing’s morphogenetic model, synergetics, far-from-equilibrium thermodynamics, and complex adaptive systems.

Holland (1995) suggested that seven basics (four properties and three mechanisms) are common to all complex systems. See Brownlee (2007), Smith and Bedau (2000), and Holland’s (2010) TED Talk youtube (TEDxUofM - John Holland - Building Blocks and Innovation) for details on these complex systems basics to respond to in this week’s Discussion.

As organizations are complex adaptive systems, understanding the abstract principles provide scholars with insights into all sorts of specific social systems, such as military organizations, corporations, nonprofits, cities, states, religions, and societies. Clippinger’s (1999) Kindle book, The Biology of Business, offers numerous examples of Holland’s framework with applications to business.

Post analysis of Holland’s properties and mechanisms of complex adaptive systems.

Hints

• Use Holland’s framework to analyze an organization with which you are familiar as an example of a complex adaptive system.
• Explain what is useful and/or problematic in Holland’s approach.
• Explain how Holland’s ideas might inform your understanding of the structure of organizations and how that may support your ability to lead or manage effectively.

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

Hollands framework for complex adaptive systems provides a useful lens to analyze organizations as complex systems By applying his properties and mechanisms we can gain insights into the structure and ... View the full answer