Snippets - The criticality of initial conditions

The criticality of initial conditions

The critical importance of initial conditions to the outcomes that emerge is another central tenet of non-linear dynamics and the complexity sciences. In discussing the patterning process of the brain, de Bono similarly points out that simply changing the entry point to a pattern can lead to a totally different outcome. The crucial effect that the sequence and timing of arrival of pieces of ‘information’ has on the outcome is therefore vitally important to the patterning process that takes place and the patterns that emerge.

In the context of organizational conversations and interactions, this similar dynamic occurs. The sequence of gestures and responses pattern the conversation and determine its outcome, whether in terms of organization-wide designs (strategies, structures etc), local actions, or patterns of underlying assumptions. These conversational exchanges therefore shape – and are simultaneously shaped by – the outcomes that emerge.

- Chris Rodgers

Something that works in town X will not necessarily work in town Y

…rather than scale up successes (the fruits), we should focus on scaling up the processes that led to such successes (the soil).

Replicate starting conditions

The Lorenz butterfly is significant becasue it illustrates the concept of “sensitive dependence upon initial conditions.”

The fact that something works in one context…does not mean that the outcome can be replicated in another place even if it similar. Each specific context is not fully knowable, and the interaction of agents in each context will be different in each case. We can replicate starting conditions and monitor for emergent patterns, damping and amplifying according to their efficacy but replication of outcome is not possible

- Dave Snowden

(Source: informalcoalitions.typepad.com)

bit.ly (Short URL)

Comments (View)