Complexity and Management Mail List

COMPLEX-M is an email based discussion group for people who are interested in the topics of complexity science, management, sensemaking, and the relations among them.

COMPLEX-M reflects the belief that a shared language based on the new science of complexity can have an important role in managerial sensemaking. The use of complexity theory can change the way managers think about the problems they face. Instead of competing in a game or a war, managers of a complexity thinking enterprise are trying to find their way on an ever changing, ever turbulent landscape. Such a conception of their organization's basic task can, in turn, change the day-to-day decisions made by management. The most productive applications of complexity language have to do with new possibilities for innovation. These possibilities require new ways of thinking, but old models of thinking persist long after they are productive. New ways of thinking don't just happen; they require both discussion and support.

COMPLEX-M carries messages directed to:

Understanding complexity and complex adaptive systems, such as the economy, business, and the marketplace.

Developing techniques for organizations to examine their models, metaphors, and beliefs, and to adapt new ones as conditions change.

Creating strategies for businesses to interact with the unexpected, accidental, and ambiguous in their environments.

Resolving the needs for both stability and creativity, and the institutional tensions between 'authorized' and 'innovative'.

Examining individual issues and case studies as they emerge.

This forum is a great place to learn about complexity and management, share experiences, ask for opinions, and get advice on the situations facing you in day-to-day management. Please remember that the people you meet here are speaking from their own experiences and theories. There are people on this list of all ages, academic backgrounds, nationalities, employment status, faiths, and walks of life. Please show respect for cultural differences and try to find ways of expressing yourself without resorting to offensive language. Our goal is an honest exchange of ideas which can lead to emergent understanding.

Yahoo! provides the facilities to run the list through their Yahoo! Groups service, but they have no other tie to the COMPLEX-M list, and are not responsible for the content. If you have a concern with the operations of the list please contact Caroline Richardson.

Joining Instructions:

If you go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ISCE_complex-M, the almost topmost button is "Join this Group" - big-ish blue one.

This take you to another sign-up page where you need to click on the:

New to Yahoo!?
SIGN UP NOW to enjoy Yahoo! Groups

part on the left... you'll then have to enter some very basic information like your post code and sex (why that matters I don't know). I also recommend you deselect the "Create my free Yahoo! email address." selection as I suspect this might lead to you receiving junk mail - I suggest you use your own email address in the "Alternate Email" box.

Once you go through this page you will be sent a confirmation email containing a link you need to click on to activiate your email. (I actually had to request this a second time before I actually received it - though for Caroline is worked first time)

Once you've done this you should never have to go to the site again. You simply start posting to the list by sending emails to:

isce_complex-m@yahoogroups.com