Human systems dynamics is an emerging theory and practice that draws from nonlinear dynamics to help people see, understand, and influence the patterns of their lives and organizations. We draw from many different disciplines, and we have borrowed or created a wide variety of models and methods. A handful of concepts are core to our work:
- Human systems at all scales (from individual to nation state) are self-organizing, complex adaptive systems.
- Three conditions (CDE) influence the path, speed, and results of self-organizing in complex adaptive systems.
- We come to see, understand, and influence systems by standing in inquiry about the conditions and interactions that surround us.
- We influence emergent systems through Adaptive Action as we use three questions: (What? So what? Now what?) to see, understand, and influence the conditions that shape self-organization.
- Agents in a system take action, make agreements, and set expectations that act as constraints to shape the conditions and generate the patterns of interaction and decision making that emerge over time in the system.
- A short list of simple rules influences the patterns of action and relationship for all HSD Associates.
—Teach and learn in every interaction
—Search for the true and the useful
—Give and get value for value
—Attend to the whole, the part, and the greater whole
—Engage in joyful practice
—Share your HSD story
This collection of documents provides an introduction to our work.