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Diversity. Yes. I know. Important. Cognitive diversity, that is.
When our brains are wired differently, we respond and think differently. Something that is required for creative problem solving.
But.
People prefer to hang out with like minded people. It’s easier on the brain. Easier on the emotions.
Easier. Comfortable. And requires less energy.
Now here is the kicker.
In changing environments social systems with high diversity would be more resilient. However, changing environments will cause stress and people prefer homogeneous groups under those circumstances.
Our most resilient social system is also our most unstable one.
Now is a good time to talk about the adaptive cycle for social systems.
Lets assume that people prefer like minded people. In an environment that changes these homogeneous groups would become larger. It is more comfortable to be among “your own people”. So, a changing environment would create large clusters of homogeneous closed social systems.
Homogeneous closed social systems become less and less resilient. Because of their lack of diversity and lack of outside feedback. When the environment keeps on changing, the large clusters will collapse. These social systems cannot perform their function under the new conditions.
The collapse of these large clusters levels the plain field for new groups to form. Deviant groups can get the spotlight and become an attractor for others. New clusters will form. And another cycle of growth has set in.
This model is a specific version of the adaptive cycle as used in Panarchy. You might also enjoy this adaptive cycle based upon identity roles in the lifecycle of memetic development.
Of course, it’s simplification. I mean. Really. A very simple way of looking at social systems.
But.
It explains why diversity is so hard to create and maintain. It explains why closed homogeneous groups are dominating our society, and will keep on dominating. Until they collapse. And they will. Always. Making room for something new.
Image by James Cridland.
Hi Bas, these are great ideas on the rise and fall of clusters. Yes, when people stay within their comfort zone they are relaxed. But the hidden cost is high as failing to react to forced environmental changes makes clusters rigid and unable to meet new challenges. In these cases incremental solutions do not work; only drastic ones work. The comfort zone attractors collapse and new clusters form. I see eye to eye with your view.
I would extend the same analogy to teams. They go through four stages. These are forming, storming, norming and performing. Should the teams keep on performing the same way soon they shall fail to meet challenges and collapse. We are back to the initiation of the cycle starting with forming.
A most welcome post, indeed.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Cornelius Fichtner, Thabo Mophiring. Thabo Mophiring said: RT @corneliusficht: Bas deBaar writes: The Adaptive Cycle In Social Systems. #PMOT http://dld.bz/4Nz7 [...]
Thanks for your supporting comment! I like your comparison with the forming, storming stages. Yes, good idea.
Also the comfort zone attractors in this subject is an great suggestion… I’ll have to see how to link to this e.g.
http://www.shrinkonia.com/stupid-advice-you-must-do-this-now-2310.html
Bas, I think I have a suggestion to accommodate the attractor.
In your post you actually discuss balance between groups being homogeneous and comfortable vs. the other extreme of being heterogeneous and very uncomfortable. The stability of homogeneity and comfort make people attracted voluntarily to it. In contrast; being highly energetic and diversified is unstable attractor. The balance of the opposites is where we have the creative edge. So, whether we discuss social systems or team formation (a miniature society) the common factor is balancing opposites. Again, Bas bear my crazy ideas.
Bas/Ali,
I’ve been a silent reader for quite some time now and thoroughly enjoy your topics/articles/discussions. I enjoy reading posts where people gear towards development or progress in a certain direction by analyzing human behavior – stimulus and response.
I may not have enough experience but I would like to believe I have a means of understanding how people react and what are the basic common grounds that people are likely to respond to.
My two cents on this topic: Elaborating on Ali’s comment, people communicate on different levels based on their comfort scale with others. That being said, our perception of the world (people) will determine how we collaborate with others. Being highly creative and energetic can be an ‘unstable attractor’ based on the exact same reasons as they would be if one was not highly energetic and creative. As individuals, we should figure out ourselves first in order to determine how well we mold into our surroundings and then collaborate successfully with other personalities.
I enjoy reading articles here because I strongly believe that management (ANY type) is not about holding a strong intellect, it’s about knowing people and dealing with them which doesn’t always come from intellect. Intellect should get you a raise, but passion/determination should land you a management role.
Love this website!
Cheerz!
Sharjeel, you come with such a powerful analysis and at the same time you say you do not have enough experience. So what will happen when you have enough experience? Sharjeel, you are smart and your comment reflects great understanding of the topic. I also liked your reasoning for liking this website. Indeed, management is leading passionately. Bas, has been very successful in this respect. Finally, I would say it is the balance between stable attractors and unstable ones. Sharjeel, please do not keep quiet for long.
Ali, thank you very much for your kind words. Coming from a smart and experienced individual, that means a lot to me. This is another topic of discussion i can indeed engage in: Appreciation. Your comment on ‘balance’ is absolutely key! I just browsed again on your previous comments and couldn’t agree with you more. A balance between polar opposites is very important. Adding to that, many people seem to have trouble balancing this out, mainly because – i believe – they start off thinking that it can’t be balanced, yet they will want to proceed further with trying to find a common ground, which is basically saying that they have inner conflicts that they need to deal with. If a belief is negative, the outcome is negative – well, the process to move forward will dial in some negativity. When we start of with having negative energy fuel us, it can be challenging to drive a team, let alone collaborate. BUT that doesn’t mean we don’t identify the issues. We should acknowledge them AND utilize our creativity and energy to overcome obstacles. I think I may have elaborated on your point but please correct me if I’m wrong.
Sharjeel, I say one word “BRAVO”. Your comment is solid and valid. As I have to fly within few hours I have to be brief. Anyways, Bas will surely respond to your sound comments. I believe you shall have a bright future.
Hi Sharjeel, thank you so much for commenting! Interesting discussions and feedback like yours is more than welcome. In that respect I completely agree with Ali’s words.
I am so happy to read your insights on the balances; there is no right or wrong, there is no one best way; it is about finding the right balance between opposite “forces”, or as you will, interacting social mechanism. And “going with these flows”
So, welcome to our discussions.
Cheers
Bas
Ali/Bas,
Your comments are much appreciated! It indeed contributes to my personal development.
It’s amazing how, like photography, we can portray an image in many different ways yet not let go of the subject and it’s reflection and present a beautiful picture. “Opposite forces” is another brilliant term that has been used to define this situation. I absolutely agree with you that there is no right or wrong answer – no one best way. It’s like a juggling act where we have to make sure all the plates are spinning simultaneously, not focusing on just one plate.
I’m trying not to drive off on a tangent here but again, the individual leading a team and he/she who experiences a gap in collaborating should change the pattern and/or process of making conclusions as dealing with different people requires extreme flexibility in one’s own molding capabilities.
I think it’s about time I start revising previous posts and chipping in my share
. I enjoy reading this site because not only does it suggest that human behavior/psychology is the utmost important aspect, but it’s a place where I can let my thoughts flow as my current surroundings are very timid towards this level of belief. I feel I can connect on much deeper level here. Thank you!
Cheerz!
Btw, two off-topic questions:
1. When I respond to the posting, I’m required to enter my email. I don’t receive any notifications regarding updates made to an article that i respond to. Is there another purpose of making the email mandatory?
2. Is there a way I can add a picture to my name, just like you guys have?
Cheerz!
It’s like a juggling act where we have to make sure all the plates are spinning simultaneously, not focusing on just one plate.
What a great insight! I have just arrived to Tunisia and couldn’t resist commenting on this beautiful analogy.
I concur 100% with what Has responded to your comments, Sharjeel.
I am so tired to write Has instead of Bas in my previous comment.
Once again, thank you much!! I think i’ll have to take any ‘off topic’ conversations off this blog because I have to say, I really am liking being part of these discussions, especially when I’m not experienced or have had much practical input on a management level yet.
Thank you for staying up a little longer to comment on the my statement, Ali.
Though I don’t want it to be the cause of your incomplete bed time.
Hope Tunisia treats you well.
Cheerz!
Hi Sharjeel,
Really looking forward to our conversations.
About your off topic questions:
1. email address is required by the blogging platform i use (wordpress) for anti spam among other. BUT you inspired me to install the “notify me by email” option.
When you now leave a comment, you can check the box for email notifications when someone leaves a comment.
2. For use of images, go to http://Gravatar.com. The image is linked to your email address and will work on a lot of sites/blogs.
Cheers
Bas
“Inspired” is quite a strong word, Bas. I wasn’t ready to hear that so quickly from individuals like yourself. Nonetheless, I’m glad the idea for adding the feature was brought up.
I am going on vacation in the next few hours and I will have extremely limited access to emails. However, whenever I do come online, this is one place I will indeed look through. Thanks Bas! and the team (or as they say in the world of PM – Stakeholders) for making this blog a good read!
Cheerz!
Hi Sharjeel, glad you managed to get the picture working, always nice to “see” a face.
Have a great holiday!
THANK YOU for posting this.
I have been trying to apply the panarchy model to historical cases for some time now, Norse Greenland, Easter Island, etc and have been struggling. This helps me fill in some of the blanks
Hi Monika, glad to be of help
Please let us know how it develops.