The need to consider Complex Systems

A view and reflection on the conversation surrounding the need to consider complex systems

Discussion Topic: Reflect on the conversation surrounding the need to consider complex systems and how you approach typical business processes in your organization. According to the video “Complexity, citizen engagement in a Post-Social Media Time,” typical tools such as KPIs and other metrics may not adequately capture the needed practices to address complex issues in our organizations. Discuss what could prevent you from managing these issues with a complex systems approach in mind. ....Dr. Claude H. A. Simpson.

From the video “Complexity, citizen engagement in a Post-Social Media Time,” I was overwhelmed to entertain the idea that typical business processes may not adequately address our organizations’ complexities. Snowden (2018) purported that traditional tools and metrics are ineffective in handling complex organizational issues. I learned from the presentation that when problems arise in complex systems, it is usually frustrating to address. Nevertheless, system practice can help us use the tools, mindsets, and processes to face dynamic challenges and complexities. Complex issues often involve multiple interconnected factors, non-linear relationships, and emergent behaviors that simple measures cannot fully capture. Complex systems display multiple interdependencies and feedback mechanisms. Modifications to one aspect of the system frequently produce unexpected results in other areas. Business KPIs and metrics typically examine discrete variables while failing to account for the system's interconnected relationships. When organizations attempt to resolve complex issues through specific changes or interventions, they may encounter unexpected results.

To effectively tackle complex issues, organizations must implement a holistic and systemic framework for their solutions. By adopting a systems-thinking mindset, organizations can gain insight into how different components of a system interact with each other through feedback loops and emergent properties. Traditional quantitative metrics should be combined with qualitative analysis methods to enhance understanding. Interviews, along with observational studies and narrative analysis methods, help researchers gather comprehensive contextual data and explore complicated topics. Adopt adaptive management approaches that prioritize ongoing learning and flexible experimentation to ensure continuous improvement. This strategy enables organizations to make iterative changes with feedback input while adapting to the increasing complexity of the system. The organization should strive to build cooperative relationships among its various departments and disciplinary fields. Understanding complex issues and creating practical solutions demands the integration of multiple perspectives and specialized knowledge. Organizations need to move beyond traditional tools like KPIs and metrics to address complex issues, which require adopting new approaches and mindsets. Organizations enhance their capability to understand and navigate complex systems through systems thinking alongside qualitative analysis, adaptive management, and cross-functional collaboration.



Reference

Snowden, D. J. (2018). Complexity, citizen engagement in a Post-Social Media time. TEDx Talks. YouTube. Feb14, 2018.