At 180 Institute we approach organizational
life and the complex challenges of society
through the lens of complexity science.
Complexity science is an umbrella term that captures a range of theories and concepts coming out of academic disciplines such as biology, economics, mathematics and psychology. The complexity science perspective is useful in understanding the emerging properties of complex, dynamic social-ecological systems including human cognition and behaviour, social, economic, and cultural dynamics, ecological, climatic, and geographic systems, as well as the interactions among these nested systems.
A Complex System
This image shows the interconnectness of individual agents in a complex system. Patterns are not designed or planned, but emerge spontaneously from the interactions among the agents.
The approach that we take at 180 Institute is grounded in complexity science. By adopting and teaching this paradigm, our courses and facilitation work:
- Increase systems thinking
- Expand awareness of the interconnections that make up the complex adaptive systems in and around organizations
- Increase capacity for pattern detection
- Increase capacity for understanding the system dynamics affecting growth and innovation in organizations and communities
- Facilitate the navigation system-wide transformation while building resilience in key areas.
The global impact of Corvid-19 is increasing awareness in our communities and human service organizations of the need for fluidity and openness to new ways of addressing how we make lives better. The current crisis brings unprecedented opportunity to transform our current helping approaches. Through engagement with 180 Institute, collectively we can pivot toward building more resilient communities and organizational life.