I, System

“I think the [21st] century will be the century of complexity” – Stephen Hawking

The acknowledgement of the phenomenon of complexity and related research date back to the 17^th century and Descartes [1]. Since then, complex systems have been studied across the globe, by a multitude of individuals (physicists, biologists, economists, engineers etc.) and across a wide range of disciplines. The simplest definition of a system is widely accepted as a set of elements that are interconnected and interact with each other dynamically over time [2].

Systems thinking is a powerful methodology for studying and dealing with complex systems – providing a holistic approach to understanding and managing the interconnectedness and interdependence within a system. Since the origin of the concept of “Systems Thinking” in 1956, with the creation of the Systems Dynamic Group by Prof. Jay W. Forrester at MIT [3], it has been applied to numerous complex challenges and problems – from organizational development to healthcare. This is even more evident in the built and natural environment [4], with the increasing complexity of climate change and its effects on the planet. However, we often make the mistake of considering these systems in isolation and as something that exists in separation from us – constructs to which we are not intricately connected, but rather just apply methods to and find solutions for. Fritjof Capra argues that life cannot be understood by examining its parts in isolation but must be seen as a whole, interconnected system and his “systems view of life” integrates biological, cognitive, social, and ecological dimensions [5].

The fact that the human being itself is a complex system, physically and cognitively, is not unknown to us. Yet, do we ever consider what that might mean for the systems we deal with [6]? For example, the effects and consequences of implicit biases are experienced on a daily basis – from professional hiring processes to technology and AI. Consider an individual who doesn’t believe in climate change and how that view would affect the manner in which that person might approach and deal with complex environmental issues? Are we adaptable and open-minded, considering multiple perspectives and potential impacts of changes within systems? More importantly, would we embrace the paradigm shift that systems thinking offers – a fundamental change in the way we think, enabling us to see patterns and relationships more clearly?

Do we ever consider society, the businesses we work for or organisations [7] we are members of as larger complex systems that we are embedded in as elements (or sub-systems, actually)? How would our ‘personal complexity’ potentially influence our professional interaction (or lack thereof) in these systems? How could the clash of complex personalities or ‘siloed’ working in a business context affect professional relationships and (mostly unintentionally) hamper multi-disciplinary collaboration that is often much needed for solving complex and multi-faceted problems? In contrast, how could our individual ability (and willingness) to adapt in an organisational setting foster stronger collaboration, resulting in the most efficient solutions for complex problems?

Finally, do we consider the effect or influence that the complex systems we deal with might have on us as systems thinkers? Engaging with complex systems develops a deeper knowledge of the interconnectedness and interdependencies at play, which in turn develops a more holistic understanding and enhances decision-making. Furthermore, this understanding of the multi-faceted nature of complex and systemic problems will allow us to adapt collectively as teams and businesses, to align individual and mutual aspirations and to harness the power of diverse and multi-disciplinary knowledge to deal with these problems in the most efficient manner.

The above is purely a thought piece, broadly offering though-provoking questions that should be considered when studying and dealing with complex systems. Further reading can be found below for some of the subjects that were touched upon.

References

[1] Hébert-Dufresne, L., Allard, A., Garland, J., Hobson, E.A., Zaman, L., 2024. The path of complexity. npj Complex 1. https://www.nature.com/articles/s44260-024-00004-0

[2] What Is Systems Thinking? Concepts and Applications | University of Phoenix

[3] Systems Thinking – Definition, History, How it Works

[4] Systems Thinking and How It Can Help Build a Sustainable World: A Beginning Conversation

[5] Principles of life | Fritjof Capra

[6] Complex Human Dynamics: From Mind to Societies

[7] A Complex-Systems Approach to Organizations

Further Reading

Complexity: A Guided Tour by Melanie Mitchell

The Santa Fe Institute: Foundational Papers in Complexity Science — SFI Press

Introduction to Systems Thinking by Daniel H. Kim

Systems Thinking for Social Change by David Peter Stroh

Integrating Humans With and Within Complex Systems