Across the pond, we're well aware of the work started by Peter Senge and his colleagues (especially Betty Flowers and Otto Scharmer) from the 1990's onward at the SoL Institute
Communities
One manifestation of significant change in any system, society included, is the spontaneous emergence of new, self-organised behaviours.
We scan for signs of this kind, such as local approaches to sustainability of food production or rural communities deciding to tackle their health problems with less than usual reliance on the formal established structures. It is well recognised that communities up to a certain size can remain much more democratic and flexible than larger societal structures, where power inevitably gets centralised. Although there is always potential for community action of this kind to be supported via the formation of networks between different groups with resonating beliefs which allows the retention of autonomy but mutual learning (as well as greater influencing power), it is not at all clear what might facilitate such connections and what inhibits them. This is something we actively study also (see section on systems theory).
Culture
While the human race’s ability to adapt to new circumstances has led to extraordinary developments in the technical sphere it is equally striking, over history, both short term and long term, to notice how little society in its human interactions seems to be able to learn from experience, with dysfunctional patterns being endlessly repeated over time. In terms of a more closely focused study of learning from other people’s experience, it seems that culture is a crucial factor in the effective transfer of knowledge. By culture we mean, in this context, the openness of a societal group to change, their style of relating and other factors, all of which assist us in understanding for example, the likelihood that an innovative practice is adopted by a particular group.
Systems theory
In our knowledge and in continued study of how organisational structures function and can undergo transformational change, a thorough understanding of systems theory approaches is essential. One means to try to keep up to date is to track organisations dedicated to this field.
SOL Institute
University of Hertfordshire (UK) Complexity and Management Centre
In Europe we follow the work of Ralph Stacey on Complexity in organisations, continuing at the University of Hertfordshire (UK) Complexity and Management Centre.
The International Bateson Institute
We also follow Nora Bateson, continuing the work of Gregory Bateson at their Institute in Sweden.
The Metaphorum Group
and the Metaphorum group who promote the work of Stafford Beer (Viable Systems Model)
metaphorum
Metaphorum are also one of our Partners. Linked to them is Prof Gerald Midgley of the University of Hull Centre for Systems Studies We are currently discussing with Metaphorum a study of factors that can influence communities to work together on a common cause.
We'd love to hear from you
If you have opinions you’d like to share, on any of the topics we talk about, please say hello and let’s start a conversation.
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