Strange attractors and human interaction: Leading complex organizations through the use of metaphors

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Authors
Gilstrap, Donald L.
Advisors
Issue Date
2005
Type
Article
Keywords
Complexity science , Management , Leadership , Education , Organizational dynamics , Metaphor , Chaos theory
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Citation
Gilstrap, Donald L. 2005. Strange attractors and human interaction: Leading complex organizations through the use of metaphors. -- Complicity: An International Journal of Complexity and Education;v.2 no.1: pp.55-70
Abstract

This article is intended to explore the theoretical background behind complexity science in management and leadership and provide ways to approach educational leadership research through the use of strange attractor metaphors. Historical and contemporary leadership strategies have incorporated modernistic models that sometimes perpetuate problematic aspects of educational management rather than provide progressive solutions. Several leadership researchers have shown, however, there is tremendous potential for the emergent properties of complexity theory in organizational dynamics. The recognition and utilization of strange attractors as metaphorical constructs of chaos theory also provide us with an elaboration of teaching and educational leadership theory. Strange attractors seem to exist metaphorically in many aspects of the organizational dynamics of our educational institutions. The use of metaphors in lived experience is described, the scientific background behind strange attractors is introduced, and connections are made between strange attractors and human interaction. Strange attractors are then metaphorically described in organizational settings as shared vision, team processes, and information flows used as positive feedback mechanisms.

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Description
Published in an open access peer reviewed journal that provides open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.
Publisher
University of Alberta
Journal
Book Title
Series
Complicity: An International Journal of Complexity and Education;v.2 no.1
PubMed ID
DOI
ISSN
1710-5668
EISSN