On Sun, 6 Oct 1996, Hammond, Lynn and Dan wrote:
> Why do we break systems down into parts?
>
> I believe we break them down into their component parts so that we may
> work with the part(s) we understand. Most systems are too complex, going
> beyond our experiential frame of reference, for us to be able to
> understand them as a whole.
I might put it another way, which is probably complementary to what you
are saying. I think it is reasonable to consider the possibility that
individuals are cognitively limited in terms of grasping complex systems
and relationships as exist in society/organizations. The tentacle like
relationships are rather overwhelming emotionally and cognitively,
particularly if we consider the brain as a information condensing machine.
An interesting question though. IF individuals are cognitively limited in
grasping complex systems, is it possible for a group of individuals to
collectively understand a complex system?
Robert Bacal - CEO, Institute For Cooperative Communication
Internet Address - dbt359@freenet.mb.ca
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (204) 888-9290
Join us at our Resource Centre at: http://www.winnipeg.freenet.mb.ca/~dbt359
--Robert Bacal <dbt359@freenet.mb.ca>
Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>