In the first part of this entry, we described the features of Complex Adaptive Networks (CANs) and explained how communication plays a vital role in ensuring the survival of such networks. In this post, we’ll demonstrate how this theoretical model works in the real world, and how we can produce positive results for our clients by applying our CAN-do philosophy.We’ve talked a lot about CANs, but where do organisations like your business fit in? As we said before, CANs are networks developed and inhabited by people. Consequently, at Organic Development, we see every organisation that we work for (as well as our own agency) as a Complex Adaptive Network. It’s our way of organising the world. As we discussed in the first post, communication is critical to all CANs, which means:
Every problem in an organisation can be reduced to a communication issue
The more you think about this idea, the more it makes sense: if you receive poor instructions at the beginning of a task, or if you can’t ask questions and receive feedback during it, you are unlikely to be able to complete the task successfully.
So how do we improve the quality of communication in CANs?
At Organic Development, we use a combination of strategy, planning and digital tools to improve communication in CANs and make them more efficient and effective. A tool, quite simply, is a device that makes a task easier. Luckily for us, we have a vast and exciting toolkit at our disposal: the Internet.
E-mail, e-commerce sites and social networking sites are all examples of digital tools that most of us use every day. They make tasks like sharing information, buying things and keeping in touch quick and easy. At Organic Development we use these tools, and many others, in a considered and thoughtful way to help CANs thrive.
There are 3 stages to this process:
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1. Create spaces for CANs to grow in Build or adopt appropriate communication platforms where people can collaborate, communicate, start discussions and share ideas. These can be offline as well as online. |
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2. Measure, monitor and maintain Use monitoring tools to identify strategies that work well and highlight those that need improvement. |
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3. Enable exchanges Provide people with suitable support, training and strategies so they can make the most of the digital tools at their disposal. |
CAN-do
It’s important to remember a point from the first post: Complex Adaptive Networks constantly evolve because they are adaptable and non-hierarchical. Improving and maintaining communication in CANs must also be a cyclical, adaptable process. That’s why our work isn’t about providing quick, one-off fixes. It’s about providing a positive method for success. We call it our CAN-do method.
In the short term, using digital tools to enable CANs to flourish means that organisations generate new business, a higher level of brand engagement and larger profit margins. In the long term, the process makes the world a better place by making the spreading of information easier than ever.
That’s it folks, the Organic Development philosophy in a nutshell. We hope this has helped you get a better understanding of how and why we work the way we do.
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