Research Catalog

Title

Complexity : a key idea for business and society / Chris Mowles.

Author

Mowles, Chris

Publication

• Abingdon, Oxon ; New York, NY : Routledge, 2022.
• ©2022

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Description

xi, 188 pages; 24 cm.

Summary

"This book interprets insights from the complexity sciences to explore seven types of complexity better to understand the predictable unpredictability of social life. Drawing on the natural and social sciences, it describes how complexity models are helpful, but insufficient for our understanding of complex reality. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the book develops a complex theory of action more consistent with our experience that our plans inevitably lead to unexpected outcomes, explains why we are both individuals and thoroughly social, and gives an account of why, no matter how clear out message, we may still be misunderstood. The book investigates what forms of knowledge are most helpful for thinking about complex experience, reflects on the way we exercise authority (leadership), and thinks through the ethical implications of trying to co-operate in a complex world. Taking complexity seriously poses a radical challenge to more orthodox theories of managing and leading, based as they are on assumptions of predictability, control and universality. The author argues that management is an improvisational practice which takes place in groups in a particular context at a particular time. Managers can influence, but never control an uncontrollable world. To become more skilful in complex group dynamics involves taking into account multiple points of view, and acknowledging not knowing, ambivalence and doubt. This book will be of interest to researchers, professionals, academics and students in the fields of business and management, especially those interested in how taking complexity seriously can influence the functioning of businesses and organisations and how they manage and lead"--

Series Statement

Key ideas in business and management

Uniform Title

Key ideas in business and management.

Subject

• Complex organizations
• Organizational change
• Organizational sociology

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references and index.

Contents

Introduction: the predictable-unpredictability of the world -- Complex models: radical challenge to management orthodoxy -- Complex action: the uncertain outcomes of individuals negotiating in groups -- The complex self: the 'I', 'me' and 'we' -- Complex communication: persuading and being persuaded -- Complex knowledge, complex knowing -- Complex authority: the leader in the group and the group in the leader -- Complex ethics: widening our circle of concern -- Conclusions: towards greater humility and humane ways of working.

Call Number

JFE 21-6770

ISBN

• 9780367433857
• 0367433850
• 9780367425685
• 0367425688

LCCN

2021030901

OCLC

1261771906

Author

Mowles, Chris, author.

Title

Complexity : a key idea for business and society / Chris Mowles.

Publisher

Abingdon, Oxon ; New York, NY : Routledge, 2022.

Copyright Date

©2022

Type of Content

text

Type of Medium

unmediated

Type of Carrier

volume

Series

Key ideas in business and management

Key ideas in business and management.

Bibliography

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Other Form:

Online version: Mowles, Chris. Complexity Abingdon, Oxon ; New York, NY : Routledge, 2022 9781003002840 (DLC) 2021030902

Research Call Number

JFE 21-6770