What is a system?

This page is on the general concept of systems and associated ones as well as the use of systems in the context of Cynefin.

Definitions

• system: any network of interactions that has dynamic coherence, - systems may have fuzzy boundaries and shifting patterns
• agent: anything that acts within the system - may be a person, a community, a dominant narrative, a process, or a rule

The use of systems in the context of Cynefin

• Chaos no effective constraints
• Complex has enabling constraints - in general is connected
• Order has Governing constraints - in general is contained

Cynefin then splits order into complicated and clear but the distinction there is not a phase shift - while it is between the three main systems

• Confused is in effect a triple point from which vantage, if you are in the aporetic aspect you can, at very low energy cost, make a move into any of the three main types of system (think metaphor of pressure and temperatue); if just confused you will slip into the one you are most comfortable with

References

Link to other articles on this wiki if they are relevant.

Articles

Specific articles can be referenced here

Blog posts

Link with commentary