I am in the process of completing an article for publication on the subject,
but wondered if any other midwives were using this as a framework for
organisational analysis.
An overview of the main principles of Complexity Theory 'cut' from my paper
for your interest:
Complexity theory conceptualises complex organisations, such as hospitals,
health services and professional organisations, as 'living systems' which
exist in a dynamic environment that constantly tests their ability to
survive. A summary of the main principles of complexity theory which has
been distilled from the writing of a number of authors (Waldrop, 1992;
White, Marin, Brazeal & Friedman, 1997; Bryne 1998; Cilliers, 1998; Dimitrov
et al., 1999; Campbell-Hunt, !999) and provides a useful framework for
organisational analysis.
1. All systems are interconnected, mutually influenced by and have influence
on their environment. This appears to refute the notion that an organisation
can be viewed in isolation from its surrounding environment.
2. Description of systems and their elements (individuals and activities)
are contextually derived because of the mediating influence of their
history, experience and the role of the describer and perception of
participants. This principle would require some knowledge of the
participant's/informant's positioning within the context of the organisation
and their perception of key factors influencing both their actions within
the organisation and the influence of the external environment.
3. There is no correct or incorrect systems model because of the dependence
of the system on its context . A scan has the ability to capture the
organisation within context at one point in. A successful system is one that
continues to survive.
4. Constant change is an adaptive mechanism, vital for survival, the
direction being influenced by the system's history and ability to
apply/translate this knowledge to the current situation. Locating the
organisation within the broader context of the community, may assist in
understanding systems failures as not necessarily emanating form the
organisation itself, but result from the systems inability to adapt to
environmental changes. A community focus may point to measures the
organisation could take to adapt better to its environment, rather than the
environment or community being expected to adapt.
5. Communication fuels and shapes adaptation/evolution. The scan should
identify the complexity of both incoming and outgoing communication. The
degree of two way communication and the ease with which this occurs should
indicate the potential for adaptability the organisation has.
6. Multiple ways of knowing/viewing (perspectives) are normal and vital for
survival. Heterogeneity enables contrasting interpretations of situations to
be obtained and inventive solutions or responses applied.
Hope this is thought provoking. Any comments??
Cheers
Chris Hendry
Midwifery Lecturer
Otago Polytechnic
Christchurch
NZ
----- Original Message -----
From: Soo Downe <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2001 9:20 AM
Subject: Re: Complexity Theory & Environmental Scanning
> Dear Chris
>
> I am very interested in the possibility of using
> complexity theory in conjunction with Baysien theory
> and salutogenesis to reframe the nature of evidence in
> both midwifery and other areas. I would be very
> interested in hearing more about your work, and in
> sharing some of my ideas to date.
> best wishes
>
> soo
>
> --- hendry <[log in to unmask]> wrote: >
> > I am would like to make contact with any midwives
> > who have an interest in the development of
> > Complexity Theory as a framework for the analysis of
> > midwifery services within health services as a whole
> > (Doctoral research). Also I have developed an
> > environmental scanning technique (Contextual
> > Scanning) to investigate the organisation of
> > maternity services by midwives in rural & isolated
> > areas in New Zealand.
> >
> > If there are any midwives using either of these I
> > would really like to hear from them.
> > Regards
> > [log in to unmask]
> > Chris Hendry
> > Midwifery Lecturer
> > Christchurch
> > New Zealand
> >
>
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