Chapter: Complexity


Café conversation

The world is a thing of utter inordinate complexity and richness and strangeness that is absolutely awesome.

I mean the idea that such complexity can arise not only out of such simplicity but probably absolutely out of nothing, is the most fabulous extraordinary idea.

And once you get some kind of inkling of how that might have happened, it’s just wonderful.

And the opportunity to spend 70 or 80 years of your life in such a universe is time well spent as far as I am concerned.

Credit: Douglas Adams

In this chapter, I take a look at the concept of complexity and complex adaptive systems.



Posted on

Introduction: Complexity The world is fast-changing and increasingly more turbulent

The world is fast-changing and increasingly more turbulent. The problems and challenges we face are both complex and adaptive and thus more resilient in the face of traditional approaches and ways of working. Posts that link to this post What Makes a Real Community? Members of a community care about each other A Slight Modification to VUCA … Continue reading Introduction: Complexity The world is fast-changing and increasingly more turbulent

Posted on

What Is a System? ** An interconnected set of elements organized in a way that achieves something

A system is a set of  interconnected, interacting, interrelated, or interdependent elements such as people, ideas or things that forms a whole and is coherently organized in a way that achieves something. Three main characteristics define a system: it comprises a set of elements these elements are interconnected with one another these elements are organized … Continue reading What Is a System? ** An interconnected set of elements organized in a way that achieves something

Posted on

Complex Is Not the Same as Complicated We often say that something is complex when it is merely difficult or complicated

In everyday language, we often say something is complex when it is merely difficult or complicated. A complex system is very different from a complicated one.  In the language of complexity, the engine on a Boeing 747 is complicated, but it is not complex. On the other hand, the human brain is complex. If you … Continue reading Complex Is Not the Same as Complicated We often say that something is complex when it is merely difficult or complicated

Posted on

The Cynefin Framework A conceptual framework to help make decisions

The Cynefin framework helps you make better decisions by understanding the situation/context you are in and using an appropriate decision-making method. The Cynefin framework is a conceptual framework used to aid decision-making. It was created in 1999 by Dave Snowden. It can also be described as a “sense-making device.” Cynefin is a Welsh word for … Continue reading The Cynefin Framework A conceptual framework to help make decisions

Posted on

Navigating Change in a Complex World The Vector Theory of Change

With their rigid plans and fixed outcomes, traditional change management methods often struggle in today’s complex, unpredictable environments. Dave Snowden’s Vector Theory of Change offers a more adaptable solution by focusing on setting a broad direction (vector) rather than a specific goal.  Introduction In our complex world, initiating successful change can be daunting. The traditional … Continue reading Navigating Change in a Complex World The Vector Theory of Change

Posted on

Navigating Complexity with Safe-to-fail Probes The power of safe-to-fail probes

Navigating complex systems requires innovative problem-solving approaches. Traditional linear methods often prove ineffective in unpredictable environments. Safe-to-fail probes offer a valuable tool for gaining insights, building resilience, and driving sustainable change through small-scale experiments. Dave Snowden’s concept of “safe-to-fail” is an approach to dealing with complex systems’ inherent uncertainty and unpredictability. Traditional, linear problem-solving methods … Continue reading Navigating Complexity with Safe-to-fail Probes The power of safe-to-fail probes

Posted on

Technical Challenges and Complex Adaptive Challenges Distinguishing between straightforward and complex challenges

Navigating challenges is crucial, but the type of challenge matters greatly. There are two categories: technical challenges with known solutions and complex adaptive challenges that are messy, ambiguous, evolving, and require flexibility. Recognizing the distinction is essential for effective responses and meaningful outcomes. In navigating challenges, it is essential to distinguish between two main types: … Continue reading Technical Challenges and Complex Adaptive Challenges Distinguishing between straightforward and complex challenges

Posted on

There Are No Solutions to Complex Challenges Only an endless series of adaptive responses

Complex systems defy simplistic problem-solving. Rather than definitive solutions, we can only respond to the intricate web of interconnected elements. In a complex environment, there are no solutions, only an endless series of adaptive responses. Complex systems are characterized by their nonlinear dynamics, emergent properties, and the presence of feedback loops. These characteristics make it … Continue reading There Are No Solutions to Complex Challenges Only an endless series of adaptive responses

Posted on

Unintended Consequences In a complex system, every purposeful action produces unintended consequences

Unintended consequences are outcomes of an action that are not intended or foreseen. Most such consequences are undesirable.  However, it is far too easy in business and international development to be armchair philosophers. We often think that the world’s problems are simple and that we have the answers. There are always unintended consequences (sometimes called … Continue reading Unintended Consequences In a complex system, every purposeful action produces unintended consequences