Complexity: a key idea for business and society

by Mowles, Chris

Type Book

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Title Statements

Full title :Complexity : a key idea for business and society / Chris Mowles.

Summary

Introduction: the predictable-unpredictability of the world -- Complex models: radical challenge to management orthodoxy -- Complex action: the uncertain outcomes of individuals negotiating in groups -- The complex self: the 'I', 'me' and 'we' -- Complex communication: persuading and being persuaded -- Complex knowledge, complex knowing -- Complex authority: the leader in the group and the group in the leader -- Complex ethics: widening our circle of concern -- Conclusions: towards greater humility and humane ways of working.

"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"

Edition Statements

Publication Date:2022

Publication Statements

Publisher(s):Routledge
Place of Publication:Abingdon, Oxon
Language:eng
Publication Date:2022

Notes

Includes bibliographical references and index.

The Physical Object

Description:pages cm

Edition Identifiers

ISBN:9780367433857, 0367433850, 9780367425685, 0367425688
oclc:on1286080159
LC Classification:HM786
Dewey Decimal:302.3/5

Subjects

Changement organisationnel Complex organizations Komplexität Management Organisations complexes Organisationstheorie Organizational change Organizational Innovation Organizational sociology Sociologie des organisations