Complex Social Systems

Social complexity is a theoretical framework for analysing society in sociology. Modern definitions of complexity in science are found in systems theory, where the phenomenon being examined includes many pieces and numerous alternative arrangements of those parts while also being relative to one another and containing behaviour changing over time. In complex social systems, people constantly interact with many different people in many different circumstances and frequently interact with many of the same people repeatedly throughout time.

The study of contemporary organisations and management studies contain some of the earliest instances of the term complexity being used particularly to refer to a complex system in the social and behavioural sciences. When these complex systems are seen as having various dynamics, a deeper knowledge of them can be achieved.  Understanding system dynamics gives one the ability to observe, interact with, and have an impact on social systems. Three forms of system dynamics can be distinguished: organised, adaptive (self-organising), and unorganised.

Self-organising/adaptive/organic

In a self-organising (adaptive/organic) dynamic, numerous, different agents with varying degrees of independence and freedom from constraint engage in ongoing interaction with one another. These agents are moving and adapting to other agents and the environment as a whole, even if they might not be aware that they are a part of a bigger whole.

Emergence

In emergence, new or unexpected patterns, structures, features, or processes may appear. These are higher-level phenomena that unanticipatedly result from a great number of minor happenings. The minor occurrences did not intend to establish the new order. No one entity is in control of the development of the new; rather, it is the product of the interactions of several agents acting in a semi-independent manner.

Macro patterns

When a sizable number of semi-autonomous agents are self-organising, macro patterns (patterns of the entire group) are usually produced. These patterns are predicated on underlying "simple rules." No single agent has influence over the behaviours, and the agents may not even be aware of the fundamental laws of behaviour.

Feedback

Based on feedback, agents in self-organising dynamics learn from one another and the environment. Subsequently, they will alter their behaviour in response to signals they get from other agents. It is crucial to connect input to the underlying simple rules that produce the pattern of the whole in order to alter the pattern throughout time and space. As aware beings, humans have far more intricate feedback systems that influence their behavioural patterns.

Patterns

Dynamic patterns emerge between agents and between agents and their environments over time and space as relationships, boundaries, and differences take place. Although the patterns are too intricate to be managed, they can be influenced by purposefully altering the interactions, limits, and/or disparities between the agents.

Further reading

• Barabasi, A. (2003). Linked: How everything is connected to everything else and what it means for business, science, and everyday life. New York: Penguin.
• Eoyang, G. (1997). Coping with chaos: Seven simple tools. Circle Pines, MN: Lagumo.
• Meadows, D. (2008). Thinking in systems. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green Publishing Company.
• Midgley, G. (2003). Systems thinking. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
• Miller, J & S. Page (2007). Complex adaptive systems: An introduction to computational models of social life. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
• Stacey, R. (2007). Strategic management and organisational dynamics. 5th edition. London: Pearson Education.