Complexity & Systems: Concept 1 - Interconnected and interdependent elements and dimensions

The Concept: A complex system is easily understood as one made up of multiple elements (which may be elements or processes) which are connected to and interdependent on each other and their environment (Nicolis and Prigogine, 1989). Complex systems are also characterised by multiple variables, or dimensions, which are interconnected and interdependent. Complex systems frequently have multiple levels of organisation. The degree of connectivity between these elements, dimensions and levels has a profound influence on how change happens within the broader system. (Ramaligam 2008).

The idea that complex systems comprise of interdependent and interconnected elements and processes is very familiar. The dimensions of the child, parents and their environment has become a well known and standardised framework in the UK for social workers assessing children in need of services and protection.

However, what seems to be further developed in complexity theory is the nature of connection networks between elements, which can vary in different parts of the system and over time. The degrees of interconnection (whether systems are tightly or loosely coupled) is crucial in understanding how the system behaves and how change occurs.

A tightly coupled system is seen as comprising a high degree of interconnection within the system with increased opportunities for the exchange of information and the options of rapid change within the system. However, this is not always an advantage as the more connections there are the more unstable the system will be. This is when relatively trivial changes in one element or dimension can spread rapidly and unpredictably through the system and have dramatic and unpredictable effects.

Those systems where elements are not tightly linked or interdependent with many other components are called loosely coupled systems. In these systems, elements influence each other over longer timeframes, and in more diffuse and subtle ways. It is also considered that although in loosely coupled systems, for example, may contain certain problems because of their lack of connectivity, they also do have benefits in supporting more independency, stability and resilience.