Concepts Of Complexity Theory Research Articles

Identifying online purchasing intention in Egypt: a fuzzy set qualitative comparative approach

PurposeThe diffusion of electronic commerce has a notable impact on the economy's prosperity. This paper embraces complexity theory principles to examine the factors affecting Internet users' acceptance and use of electronic retailers. It is essential for the sustainability of electronic retailers to understand the motivations impacting online consumer behaviour. Symmetrical and asymmetrical methods are combined to examine the relationship between perceived ease of use, perceived enjoyment, web characteristics, online consumer reviews (OCRs) and online purchase intention. Further, symmetry and differences between males and females were examined.Design/methodology/approachData collected from 425 online consumers using an online structured survey was analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). The net effects and causal configurations of the four proposed variables and online purchase intention were examined.FindingsThe SEM findings confirmed the significance of perceived enjoyment, website characteristics and OCRs on online purchase intention. Perceived enjoyment mediated the relationship between perceived ease of use and online purchase intention. The multi-group analysis confirmed the difference in antecedent impacts between males and females. The fsQCA findings revealed that multiple recipes lead to the occurrence of online purchase intention; in addition, the recipes leading to its absence do not mirror the previous ones.Originality/valueThe present study embraces complexity theory concepts in understanding online purchase intention using fsQCA methodology; further, the role of gender in online consumer behaviour was highlighted in the result discussion.

Complexity Theory and Child Protection and Welfare: A Tool of Hindsight and/or a Tool to Assist Improved Decision Making in Child Protection and Welfare Work

Abstract Child abuse and neglect is a ‘wicked problem’ (Devaney, J. and Spratt, T. (2009) ‘Child abuse as a complex and wicked problem: Reflecting on policy developments in the United Kingdom in working with children and families with multiple problems’, Children and Youth Services Review, 31(6), pp. 635–41.). Child Protection and Welfare (CPW) systems are open systems in which a wide variety of practitioners and families themselves contribute to outcomes. Small interacting changes in one part of a CPW system can lead to unpredictable and systemic effects so linear, technocratic solutions are not sufficient in addressing this complexity. Whilst CPW systems may aim to make clear roles and responsibilities, steered by legislation and regulatory guidance, complex systems do not behave as system designers expect. Recent literature has demonstrated a turn to complexity theory and systems theory concepts for understanding and working in the world of child protection. This article suggests a practice framework based on complexity theory concepts of self-organisation/emergence/adaptation, path-dependency and bifurcation. The utility of the framework is tested by its application to a fictionalised case study built on a thematic analysis of five National Review Panel published case reviews in the Irish child protection context (2019–2020). We argue that complexity theory may be a useful tool for both post hoc analytics as well as providing a proactive tool for application to practice to assist decision making in CPW systems, services and organisations.

Evaluating policy complexity with Causal Loop Diagrams

Methods to capture the complexity of using policy instruments would allow us to better evaluate the reasons for their effectiveness. Drawing from complexity science, we produce a Causal Loop Diagram to analyse the implementation of two informational policy instruments in a tourism destination: the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria and the European Tourism Indicator Scheme. To interpret the emerging system structure, we use complexity theory concepts of emergence; interdependence and interconnectivity; co-evolution; self-organisation; feedback; historicity and path dependence. This qualitative methodology sheds light on the interplay of factors that facilitate and impede the continuous use of these policy instruments. It shows how adopting a complexity science approach to evaluation studies can be invaluable to making tourism policy interventions more impactful.

A Systematic Literature Review of the Impact of Complexity Theory on Applied Economics

A systematic literature review is used to explore the relationship between complexity theory and economics. Broad search terms identify an unmanageable large number of hits. A more focused search strategy follows the PRISMA protocol and screens for Economics branded publications, and with key words for different applications of economics occurring in the abstract. This results in a distinct group of 247 publications. One hundred and twenty-two publications are excluded due to inclusion criteria or a lack of relevance. The remaining 113 are analysed for (1) use of complexity theory concepts, (2) types of methodology and methods, and (3) the applications for macro, meso, and micro issues. The publication with the greatest frequency of resulting articles is Complexity, closely followed by Ecological Economics. The highest annual citation ratio for a single article was 33.88. Complexity theory concepts included: non-linearity, system interactions, adaption, and resilience. Many developed a meso application, rather than solely focusing on macro or micro designs. Agent Based Models (ABMs) were popular, as were general systems models following the practice of the late system theorist, Donella Meadows. Applications were interdisciplinary and diverse, including world system models that linked macroeconomics to climate and sustainability, as contrast with micro and meso models trying to explain the complexity of agent-based behaviour on specific organisations or higher-level processes.

Феномен дигитальной деантропологизации в концептах новых материалистов

Introduction. The challenges of the posthuman- istic phase transition lead to a critical response from representatives of the anthropological trend in philosophy. Going into the sphere of determin- ism of digital discourse overcomes a person in all his previous discourses, since what was constantly perceived as ontic and ontological in being loses its meaning and value in the coordinates of digital relations. It is important to define the term “digital”, which in the study is represented in numbers and following the logic of an algorithm that eliminates anthropological reality, understood as the subjec- tivity of human existence. The purpose of the paper is to represent the con- cepts of the new materialists, who propose to overcome the man not only in his spiritual, but also in bodily dimensions in comparison with the com- plexity paradigm and the concept of M. Heidegger. Methods. The author uses methods of analyzing philosophical concepts of the new materialists, M. Heidegger and representatives of complexity theory. Scientific novelty of the research lies in discovery- ing the connection between M. Heidegger’s concept of quaternary and the concepts of complexity theory, including the new materialists’ theories. The transition of the ontological model of Heidegger’s concept into the ontic construct of the latest ma- terialistic thought is traced. The author reveals the difference between authentic and non-authentic modes of virtuality. Results. According to D. Haraway, an alterna- tive is a form of interspecific mixing, in which the monstrous, which was previously a marker of the boundaries of the human, breaks into the anthro- pological topic, reshaping it according to the digital patterns of the posthuman world. This inversion of the Heideggerian world project of quaternary makes it possible to eliminate the ontological plane of being, solving the problem of man’s exclusivity in the direction of its elimination from the discourse of modern philosophy. Conclusions. Comparison of the approaches of M. Heidegger, accelerationists and Russian philoso- phy provides an opportunity to clarify important aspects of digital deanthropologization.

O metaprojeto na perspectiva da complexidade

O presente artigo coloca em discussão o conceito de metaprojeto a partir da lente da teoria da complexidade. Para tanto, parte-se dos principais conceitos da teoria da complexidade com base em Morin (2006) e Capra (1996) e das diferentes vertentes teóricas sobre metaprojeto para embasar as análises. Por fim, propõe-se uma visão sobre o conceito de metaprojeto a partir da epistemologia da complexidade.

Beyond order and magic: Complexity-based emergentism, social translation and the Wikitrad project

ABSTRACTThis article sets off from two epistemological points. Firstly, it reviews Donald Kiraly’s approaches to translator education: his criticism of positivist approaches, his constructivism, his most recent emergentism. Secondly, it introduces some key concepts of complexity theory (to which emergentism is related), as put forward by one of his main advocates, Roger Lewin. Both departure points serve to erect a pedagogical project – Wikitrad – that creates the conditions for the emergence of learning while conducting a social translation of Wikipedia articles. The article describes Wikitrad’s design and implementation at the Universitat Jaume I (Castellón, Spain), reporting on the various stages of project design and student learning as well as its resulting attractors. It concludes with the confirmation of lessons provided by resorting to social translation in a class informed by complexity theory.

The lose-lose predicament of deforestation through subsistence farming: Unpacking agricultural expansion in the Ecuadorian Amazon

Agricultural expansion in the Ecuadorian Amazon is carried out predominantly by small-scale farming systems, yet the impacts of smallholders on the ecosystem and social fabric are not fully understood. In this paper, we use the societal metabolism approach to operationalize the analytical concepts of complexity theory put forward by agro-ecology analysis. We define a typology of farming systems and assess the impact of different trends, such as population growth, the emergence of new farming practices and the implementation of policies aimed at increasing agricultural production, on (i) the livelihood of smallholders; (ii) the national economy; and (iii) deforestation and biodiversity loss. Our findings indicate that smallholders find themselves in a subsistence trap, in which intensification of agriculture does not lead to an improvement in income, exacerbates social inequalities, negatively affects the ecosystem and has negligible benefits for the national economy.

Exercise and Alzheimer's: The body as a whole

Abstract Objective Alzheimer's disease has been studied from various areas of knowledge (biomarkers, brain structure, behavior, cognitive impairment). Our aim was to examine the effects of an exercises protocol developed using complexity theory concepts. Method Exercise improves neuroplasticity (neuronal ability to change and adapt as a result of experience) through mental and physical skills linked to cognitive-associative brain circuits. Introducing controlled physical and cognitive stimuli, self-organization and connectivity among brain systems enhance. We used tasks with non-linear outputs (several solutions) and learning as order parameter. Tasks were performed simultaneously, at the edge of the error seeking self-organized criticality. Results Screening tests data showed a reduction in cognitive impairment, which suggests a reduction disease progression, in terms of executive function. There was a marked improvement in the physical tests: 30 seconds chair stand test (PRE: 8.78 ± 3.46; POST: 9.44 ± 3.68 repetitions) and foot up and go test (PRE: 11.95 ± 5.19; POST: 11.69 ± 4.43 seconds). Conclusion Results showed that patient's self-organization was increased; behaviors atrophied or inhibited reappeared. Using these controlled perturbations, Alzheimer's Disease patients were able to manifest improvements in both their mental and physical abilities.

Team learning on the edge of chaos

Purpose – Organizations as complex networks aim to survive. The purpose of this paper is to provide an alternative perspective to current organizational challenges by considering team learning as key factor for surviving this turbulent environment.Design/methodology/approach – The dominating approach in this paper comes from the complexity paradigm. This paper examines team learning of an actual case of an organization in a fast changing environment. It explores the business applicability of concepts of complexity theory to the issues described in the case. Furthermore, it synthesizes these concepts with literature on learning in general and team learning in particular.Findings – For coping with highly dynamic environments, management should reconsider traditional ways of thinking. Teams as networks of learning are a valuable corporate asset that an organization needs to foster when aiming to survive. Measures like minimal interaction rules, individual autonomy and a flexible organization structure demand...

Application of simplified Complexity Theory concepts for healthcare social systems to explain the implementation of evidence into practice.

To examine the application of core concepts from Complexity Theory to explain the findings from a process evaluation undertaken in a trial evaluating implementation strategies for recommendations about reducing surgical fasting times. The proliferation of evidence-based guidance requires a greater focus on its implementation. Theory is required to explain the complex processes across the multiple healthcare organizational levels. This social healthcare context involves the interaction between professionals, patients and the organizational systems in care delivery. Complexity Theory may provide an explanatory framework to explain the complexities inherent in implementation in social healthcare contexts. A secondary thematic analysis of qualitative process evaluation data informed by Complexity Theory. Seminal texts applying Complexity Theory to the social context were annotated, key concepts extracted and core Complexity Theory concepts identified. These core concepts were applied as a theoretical lens to provide an explanation of themes from a process evaluation of a trial evaluating the implementation of strategies to reduce surgical fasting times. Sampled substantive texts provided a representative spread of theoretical development and application of Complexity Theory from late 1990's-2013 in social science, healthcare, management and philosophy. Five Complexity Theory core concepts extracted were 'self-organization', 'interaction', 'emergence', 'system history' and 'temporality'. Application of these concepts suggests routine surgical fasting practice is habituated in the social healthcare system and therefore it cannot easily be reversed. A reduction to fasting times requires an incentivised new approach to emerge in the surgical system's priority of completing the operating list. The application of Complexity Theory provides a useful explanation for resistance to change fasting practice. Its utility in implementation research warrants further attention and evaluation.

Applying complexity theory: A review to inform evaluation design

Complexity theory has increasingly been discussed and applied within evaluation literature over the past decade. This article reviews the discussion and use of complexity theory within academic journal literature. The aim is to identify the issues to be considered when applying complexity theory to evaluation. Reviewing 46 articles, two groups of themes are identified. The first group considers implications of applying complexity theory concepts for defining evaluation purpose, scope and units of analysis. The second group of themes consider methodology and method. Results provide a starting point for a configuration of an evaluation approach consistent with complexity theory, whilst also identifying a number of design considerations to be resolved within evaluation planning.

Leadership learning through the lens of complexity theory

This case study examines leadership learning in a principalship development programme. The assessment of learning in the form of objective and subjective knowledge is done through the lens of complexity theory and Popper's three worlds. The study involved participants in a principalship development programme called the Leaders in Education Programme (LEP). The LEP is designed and implemented by the National Institute of Education Singapore with partnership from the Ministry of Education Singapore. Since its inception in 2001, the LEP has developed more than 300 school leaders in Singapore schools. Through the analyses linking the concepts of complexity theory and Popper's three worlds, we gained valuable insights into how participants developed practical knowledge in leadership and management. The outcome of the analyses has implications for leadership programme design and for leadership development in countries with similar challenges to prepare a new type of school leaders for the 21st century.

Assessing leadership knowledge in a principalship preparation programme

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess leadership learning in a principalship development programme.Design/methodology/approachThis case study adopted Popper's three worlds as an analytical framework to assess leadership learning in a principalship development programme. The unit of assessment of learning is knowledge – more specifically subjective and objective knowledge. The study involved participants in a principalship development programme called the Leaders in Education Programme (LEP). The LEP is designed and implemented by the National Institute of Education, Singapore with partnership from the Ministry of Education, Singapore. Since its inception in 2001, the LEP has developed more than 300 school leaders in Singapore schools.FindingsThrough the analyses linking the concepts of complexity theory and Popper's three worlds, valuable insights were gained into how participants developed practical knowledge in leadership and management.Originality/valueThe outcome of the analyses has implications for leadership programme design and for leadership development in countries with similar challenges to prepare a new type of school leaders for the 21st century.

Towards an econophysics view of intellectual capital dynamics: from self-organized criticality to the stochastic frontier

The paper begins with research studying the concept and nature of Intellectual Capital (IC), as well as how close IC firms are to the stochastic frontier. Then basic concepts of complexity theory – such as agents, self-organized criticality (SOC), connectivities, fractals, and power laws (PLs) – are used to distinguish between two kinds of IC firms’ success: traditional SOC applications to how firms maintain their position in a changing industry vs. how an IC firm (such as Apple) creates a new stochastic frontier. The research sets up PLs as indicators of whether or not firms and industries are SOC-effective and includes propositions about: (1) How IC firms benefit from complexity dynamics and SOC; (2) How PL distributions are indicators of efficacious SOC and adaptivity; and (3) Why IC attributes serve to create more transient dynamics pertaining to the stochastic frontier and the rest of the industry's rank/frequency distribution.

Group-as-a-Whole and Complexity Theories: Areas of Convergence. Part II: Application to Group Relations, Group Analysis, and Systems Centered Therapy

Complexity theory is a scientific paradigm concerned with the ways in which order (determinism) and disorder (unpredictability, turbulence, chaos) combine to produce emergent higher levels of organization. The group-as-a-whole is an example of a living system where interactions among individuals, often at ‘the edge of chaos’, lead to group-qua-group dynamics. In Part I (Group Analysis 45(3)), the author considered the respective paradigms underlying group dynamics and complexity. Some basic concepts of complexity theory were discussed, and recent literature on complexity and group psychotherapy were reviewed. In the current article, the author considers the implications of complexity theory for three predominant frameworks for dynamic group psychotherapy and group-as-a-whole theory: Bion’s basic assumptions and the related Tavistock and A.K. Rice Institute group relations approaches; Foulkes’ group analysis, and Agazarian’s systems-centered therapy.

Group-as-a-Whole and Complexity Theories: Areas of Convergence. Part I: Background and Literature Review

Complexity theory is a scientific paradigm concerned with the ways in which order and disorder (unpredictability, turbulence, chaos) combine to produce emergent higher levels of organization in living systems. The group-as-a-whole is an instance where interactions among individuals, often at ‘the edge of chaos’, lead to group-qua-group dynamics. The paradigms underlying group psychology and complexity theory are considered. Group theory developed along the lines of Enlightenment science, with its emphasis on order and linear causation, while complexity theory reflects the newer sciences of quantum physics and chaos theory, which are based on uncertainty and disorder, respectively. Some basic concepts of complexity theory are discussed, and recent literature on complexity theory and group psychotherapy is reviewed, to provide a background for exploring the potential implications of complexity theory for three dominant theoretical frameworks for dynamic group psychotherapy: Bion’s basic assumptions, Foulkes’ group analysis, and Agazarian’s systems-centered therapy. These will be taken up in Part II, to be published in a subsequent edition of Group Analysis.

Team learning on the edge of chaos

PurposeOrganizations as complex networks aim to survive. The purpose of this paper is to provide an alternative perspective to current organizational challenges by considering team learning as key factor for surviving this turbulent environment.Design/methodology/approachThe dominating approach in this paper comes from the complexity paradigm. This paper examines team learning of an actual case of an organization in a fast changing environment. It explores the business applicability of concepts of complexity theory to the issues described in the case. Furthermore, it synthesizes these concepts with literature on learning in general and team learning in particular.FindingsFor coping with highly dynamic environments, management should reconsider traditional ways of thinking. Teams as networks of learning are a valuable corporate asset that an organization needs to foster when aiming to survive. Measures like minimal interaction rules, individual autonomy and a flexible organization structure demand a new perspective in which subjectivity, non‐linear methods and understanding replace attempts for objectivity, linear thinking and control.Practical implicationsThe alternative approach from the complexity paradigm may be of benefit when handling managerial and organizational issues. Like the challenge of the organization of this case study is shifted from managing teams to facilitating team learning.Originality/valueThe paper offers a better understanding of the team learning process and how learning is shared within an organization from an alternative perspective.

Complex Systems—A New Paradigm for the Integrative Study of Management, Physical, and Technological Systems

In this introductory note, we describe the motivation for this special issue on complex systems. We begin by noting the potential management opportunities offered by recent advances in complexity science. After defining the nature of complex systems and the many ways they are expressed in organizations and markets, we briefly describe the main tools and concepts of complexity theory. We close with a brief review of the articles in this issue and their relevance to the interests and concerns of managers.

Applying Complexity Theory to Risk in Child Protection Practice

This article looks at the application of complexity theory to risk assessment in child protection practice, and how it may help to give a better understanding of risk in relation to protecting vulnerable children. Within the last 20 years increasing use has been made of the term complexity within the natural sciences. In recent times, some of the key concepts in complexity theory have started to filter through to the social sciences. The article offers an explanation of some of the key concepts in complexity theory and discusses the development of a model of assessing risk in child protection cases.