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This page contains the articles I have written and selected articles written by others which help to explain complexity at work in organisations.
Another
Fine Mess You've Got Me Into
Frances
Storr
A
general explanation of complexity theory and its application to organisations.
Written in fairly scientific terms with a number of references.
Becoming a Learning Company Frances Storr
Using Humberside TEC as an example this articles explores the relationship between complexity theory and learning organisations.
Being
a Learning Company Peter Fryer
This article describes the journey that Humberside TEC undertook to become a
learning organisation using the principles of complexity theory.
.
Complexity in Practice Frances
Storr + Peter Fryer
A description of how complexity theory was applied to Humberside
TEC. It describes the design principles which were used and some of
the initiatives which were introduced.
From Budgets to Budgeting George Watts
An article by George Watts who was the accountant at Humberside TEC that explores how we changed our budgeting processes as we took on board complexity.
No Plans For The Future Jonathon Wilson
An excellent article describing how complexity relates to the world of business. In particular how forecasting based on measurement and control is losing its relevance as a tool for successful planning and organization management.
Paperless
but Powerful Frances
Storr
A
description of a paperless 360° appraisal system based on the principles
of
complexity.
The Paradox of Learning Paul
Jacobson
A fascinating article about the different levels of learning and the
paradoxical nature of learning.
Simple, yet Complex
An article recording an interview with Roger Lewin who gives an excellent
illustration of how complexity affects organisational life.
Spiritual
Intelligence in Action Amanda
Dale
Two
articles which explore spiritual intelligence in action at Humberside
TEC. This is an excellent example of looking at complexity theory through
another lens.
Surviving
and Thriving Peter
Fryer
An
introduction to the concepts of complexity theory and its implication
to the way we work and structure organisations.
The
Thriving Organisation
Peter Fryer
An article
written for small businesses that describes how complexity can be relevant
to them. Not much theory but plenty of examples.
To
Plan or not to Plan Peter
Fryer
An examination
of planning is a complex adaptive system using a number of examples.
What are Complex Adaptive Systems? Peter Fryer
A straightforward description of complex adaptive systems and complexity theory for those to whom the concept is new.
Work-Life
Balance Peter
Fryer
A
different perspective of the current debate on work-life balance using
the properties of complexity theory.
Patterns of Wholeness: by Brian Goodwin http://resurgence.gn.apc.org/issues/goodwin216.htm
Interview with Roger Lewin on Complexity:
http://www.cio.com/archive/enterprise/041598_qanda.html?printversion=yes This is an interview with Roger Lewin who gives an excellent illustration of how complexity affects organisational life
A fascinating interview with Karl Weick:
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/4.04/weick_pr.html who has some really interesting views about complexity and organisations.
New Rules for the New Economy :
featuring "twelve dependable principles for thriving in a turbulent world".
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/5.09/newrules.html
In his article Kevin Kelly explores principles about connections, non-linearity, the significance of tipping points, the law of increasing returns, but also generosity, allegiances, letting go, sustainable disequilibria, and seeking out opportunities.
Smarter, Simpler, Social:
an introduction to online social software methodology by Lee Bryant
http://www.headshift.com/archives/000092.cfm
Smart Heuristics: by Gerd Gigerenzer
http://www.edge.org/documents/archive/edge113.html
Bringing Life to Organizational Change:
byMargaret J. Wheatley & Myron Kellner- Rogers
http://www.margaretwheatley.com/articles/life.html
Dancing with Systems: by Donella Meadows
A fascinating desciption of applying complex adaptive systems to the real world
http://www.wwdemocracy.nildram.co.uk/all_change/all_change_07.htm#dan