Leadership in Chaordic Organizations

Chapter 1

Definition of Complexity and Its Impact on Organizations

B. E. White

We use the term complex to describe people, their perceptions, motivations, mindsets, personalities, and so forth, but primarily their behaviors. People’s actions, as expressed by verbal, written, and body language and physical activities, are what impact others directly. Organizations include people and thus are also complex. However, as Covey states, “In a very real sense there is no such thing as organizational behavior. There is only individual behavior collectivized in organizations” (Covey, 2004, p. 102). Typical organizations try to utilize people, processes, and technologies to accomplish specific goals. Often there are “systems” involved. A system can be ...