Complexity: A Key Idea for Business and Society
- ISBN-10
- 1003002846
- ISBN-13
- 9781003002840
- Series
- Complexity
- Category
- Business & Economics
- Pages
- 240
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2021-11-30
- Publisher
- Routledge
- Author
- Chris Mowles
Description
"This book interprets insights from the complexity sciences to explore seven types of complexity better to understand the predictable unpredictability of social life. Drawing on the natural and social sciences, it describes how complexity models are helpful, but insufficient for our understanding of complex reality. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the book develops a complex theory of action more consistent with our experience that our plans inevitably lead to unexpected outcomes, explains why we are both individuals and thoroughly social, and gives an account of why, no matter how clear out message, we may still be misunderstood. The book investigates what forms of knowledge are most helpful for thinking about complex experience, reflects on the way we exercise authority (leadership), and thinks through the ethical implications of trying to co-operate in a complex world. Taking complexity seriously poses a radical challenge to more orthodox theories of managing and leading, based as they are on assumptions of predictability, control and universality. The author argues that management is an improvisational practice which takes place in groups in a particular context at a particular time. Managers can influence, but never control an uncontrollable world. To become more skilful in complex group dynamics involves taking into account multiple points of view, and acknowledging not knowing, ambivalence and doubt. This book will be of interest to researchers, professionals, academics and students in the fields of business and management, especially those interested in how taking complexity seriously can influence the functioning of businesses and organisations and how they manage and lead"--
Get the book
Other editions
-
- 2019-10-01
- 492 pages
- Ebook
- Open Road Media
-
- 2016-06-14
- 380 pages
- Paperback
- Prometheus Books
Similar books
-
Complexity: The Emerging Science at the Edge of Order and Chaos
By Mitchell M. WaldropA look at the rebellious thinkers who are challenging old ideas with their insights into the ways countless elements of complex systems interact to produce spontaneous order out of confusion
-
On Complexity
By Edgar MorinIn this volume of key essays Morin turns his attention to the technical and philosophical underpinnings of complexity theory and applies it to a wide-ranging number of issues. These essays...
-
Generative Complexity in a Complex Generative World: A Generative Revolution in the Making
By Ton JörgThis book introduces a refreshing approach to twenty-first-century scientific approach in an age, which is also known as the Century of Complexity.
-
Computational Complexity: A Modern Approach
By Sanjeev Arora, Boaz BarakNew and classical results in computational complexity, including interactive proofs, PCP, derandomization, and quantum computation. Ideal for graduate students.
-
An Introduction to Kolmogorov Complexity and Its Applications
By Ming Li, Paul VitanyiWe also investigate the statistical properties of finite strings with high Kolmogorov complexity. Both of these topics are eminently useful in the applications part of the book.
-
Think Complexity: Complexity Science and Computational Modeling
By Allen DowneyEnhances Python skills by working with data structures and algorithms and gives examples of complex systems using exercises, case studies, and simple explanations.
-
Diversity and Complexity
By Scott E. PageThis book provides an introduction to the role of diversity in complex adaptive systems.
-
Living with Complexity
By Donald A. NormanBut we too have to do our part: we have to take the time to learn the structure and practice the skills. This is how we mastered reading and writing, driving a car, and playing sports, and this is how we can master our complex tools.
-
Complexity: Life at the Edge of Chaos
By Roger LewinExamines the field of complexity science, with sections focusing on how the discipline works within computer simulations, natural ecosystems, and various social systems.
-
Simply Complexity: A Clear Guide to Complexity Theory
By Neil JohnsonThe new branch of science which will reveal how to avoid the rush hour, overcome cancer, and find the perfect date What do traffic jams, stock market crashes, and wars have in common?