Frameworks Guide
We are using the term "framework" to describe broad conceptual tools that outline the key components and relationships within a complex system. Frameworks serve as a scaffold for understanding complex systems, guiding analysis, and establishing a common language and logic for dialogue and discussion. Unlike logic models and theories of change, frameworks do not necessarily imply a specific sequence of actions or causal relationships. They are often more general, providing an overarching perspective on complex issues without necessarily detailing the specific steps to achieve outcomes. They also tend to focus on the things that make a problem complex such as relationships, deeply held beliefs, unpredictability, and lack of agreement.
The notion of a framework can also extend to the models that arise from complex systems science, like network diagrams, system dynamic models and causal loop diagrams. These frameworks tend to be specific to the problem and context being considered and are not included in this collection.
Complex versus Complicated
This set of frameworks describes differences in simple, complicated, complex, and chaotic systems. Some of these frameworks were developed to make sense of business challenges, but they can be useful in many different contexts.
Unpacking Complexity
This group of frameworks help with taking action on complex problems by providing tools to unpack the dynamics of their complexity. They can deepen understanding of a problem by helping us focus on specific features, like the deeply held beliefs of the people in the system or the goals that the system itself is trying to achieve.
Paradigm Shifts
Deeply held beliefs are key drivers in complex systems. They are hard to change, but when they do change they are very effective in shifting systems. Complicated problems embody the deeply held belief that systems change can be brought about by setting rules, seeking accountability and ensuring alignment. Complex problems require a paradigm shift to notions of flexibility, learning and coherence.
Strategies
The frameworks that help us understand the difference between complicated and complex and unpack complex problems, lend themselves to thinking about possible approaches to change. The frameworks in this section take as given that a problem is complex and offer more nuanced strategies for change.