Complex Processes and Social Systems: A Synergy of Perspectives

Introduction

The starting point of complexity is interactions and what emerges from those interactions. This approach defines complexity as ‘emergence from interactions’. This open definition allows complexity to apply to different domains (Stacey, 2005).

In this paper we consider two contrasting viewpoints; Complex responsive processes and complex adaptive systems. Complex responsive processes deal with interactions in the present and involve reflections on interactions that take place in time (Stacey, 2011). You cannot, however, stop time so these present reflections always refer back to a present now gone. Complex adaptive systems focus on learning through the production of what are called mental models (Johnson-Laird, 1983; Johnson-Laird and Byrne, 1995). Complex adaptive systems are analytic tools. They are not explicitly in the present or in time at all. However, they shape our thoughts and actions which are in the present.

The paper shows that rather than being contradictory, these viewpoints are complementary for both complex responsive processes and complex adaptive systems address how we behave, respond and think in a context. This means that rather than focussing on the differences between the two approaches we here seek to identify and explore the strengths and similarities of both approaches.