The exercise that is demonstrated in the video is a visual representation
of how chaos theory works. A very
specific definition that I feel defines the exercise we saw in the video is the
following:
Chaos theory is an explanation of the behavior of
a system that can be described by nonlinear equations where the output of one
calculation is taken as the input of the next. After multiple iterations the
calculation takes on the characteristics of non-linearity and becomes
specifically unpredictable while all the time remaining in a determined
pattern. The chaotic patterns that emerge seem to be bound by the influence of
a "strange" attractor (Burns,
2002) .
In the exercise, the presenter gives the participants some very
simple rules. These simple rules can be compared to nonlinear equations. For example, one rule is to place themselves
equal distance from two chosen points of reference. Another rule is to refrain from sharing any
information with any of the other participants, all the while, moving slowly
and trying to complete the exercise. In the
same way, the participants, or their calculations, lead them to their next
move, going back and forth from chaotic to some type of order. As the definition points out and the
participants demonstrate through their movements, they are becoming “specifically
unpredictable while all the time remaining in a determined pattern” (Burns,
2002). The Sierpinski gasket is another good example
of how the repetition of simple rules can take chaotic patterns and find
underlying similar patterns, “the application of a similar rule to a completely
different shape (a square) results in the same complex pattern emerging” (Obolensky, 2014, p 77 of 249). Therefore, as Obolensky (2014) points out “the
application of a simple and deterministic rule can create a complex pattern” (p.
78 of 249).
I find the Chaos Game to be extremely exciting since it gives a
very good explanation of how we can make sense of a complex environment
(Obolensky, 2014, p. 78 of 249). The traditional
views of management and leadership can lead to an effort to organize our world
and the elements around us in very straightforward and categorical ways. For every action there is a reaction and
traditional strategies are rigid and inflexible. The chaos game is a reminder of the complexity
of our world. It is also a reminder that,
although to the untrained eye it may seem like something we cannot control,
understand or even begin to organize, there is an underlying pattern.
Obolensky (2014) offers eight principles that can turn chaos and
complexity into something flexible, tangible and something you can work with. Some of these principles such as finding an
underlying purpose, delineating clear boundaries, discretion and freedom of
action, creating simple rules, are ways that participants in an organization
can move through a complex environment and find strategies that are effective
and that positively impact the organization. The participants of the exercise were
exercising these principles and in less than 2 minutes had reached their goals.
My takeaway from the exercise is that chaos theory is a good
perspective in seeing how complexity affects today’s businesses. With the right resources, such as some of the
principles I discussed, and with an open and flexible mind, members of a group
can self-organize and be successful in meeting objectives in a complex environment.
References
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