Part I — Foundations · 02

Current — Complexity

The central term arrives. A current is not chaos and not a system diagram: it is direction, pressure and rate, mostly invisible, always present. Complexity is described from inside it rather than modelled from above.

Second, revised edition · CURRENT Companion

The question it turns on

What is actually moving when an organisation is said to be complex?

Concepts in this chapter

  • The Current
  • Complexity
  • Direction and rate
  • Orientation

Models & concepts →

Where the argument is contested

Complexity language can become an excuse for not deciding. The book holds that complexity raises the standard for judgement rather than suspending it.

To sit with

  • Where is your organisation being carried rather than steered?
  • What has been called complexity that was, on inspection, avoidance?