Dear Russel, this is such an important topic. I believe that an understanding of the distinction (between what is simple. complicated or complex) will fundamentally inform how we intervene/respond to such problems and situations. There is a growing body of scholarship on complexity theory which will be very helpful in your decision making. Considering your field of Higher Education, I assume you will be working with human systems. A qualitative approach will then strongly be recommended as complexity emerge from interactions, interconnectedness and relationships between people as elements. Narratives are increasingly viewed as a valuable source of complexity understanding. Mixed methods is also an option. Depending on the topic of your research (and if possible), I would highly recommend including a variety of perspectives from different interpenetrating subsystems. The attached papers may stir further ideas. Best wishes Russell!
Good Night Marcel,
Thanks for your suggestions which should help in this project. However do you think that there are human limits in our ability to cognize complexity?
Dear Russell, I most definitely think there are...Eagerly following your project. I would love to hear how it is progressing and perhaps even have a conversation. Best wishes!
While I also think there are and probably this belief drove organizational researcher such as March and Simon some years ago to advance the notions of bounded rationality and satisficing, I am wondering to what extent currently used Systems Approaches (Inputs, Throughputs, Outputs and Feedback) and/or Strategizing are helping managers etc. to deal with complexity. Given however to persistent challenges/increases in management problems in all sectors of our economies one cannot help but wonder whether or not management courses and qualifications are helping us to manage any better much more to deal with or disentangle complexity. I think we need a new conceptual language that might be rooted in peoples' experiences. In other words rather than a focus on theory driven practices maybe a shift to practice driven methodologies. What do you think/
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