What is Complexity ?

Behaviour refers to the actions or responses of a system or its parts over time, often influenced by internal and external factors. It is how elements within a system interact with each other and their environment, leading to observable patterns and outcomes. Understanding behaviour helps us understand how a system reacts and manages different situations.

A black box is a system where only the inputs (what goes in) and outputs (what comes out) are observed, focusing on its behaviour without examining how it works inside. It simplifies complex systems by emphasizing what they do, not how they do it.

A boundary separates a system from its environment. The borders of the system, determined by the observer(s), which define where control action can be taken: a particular area of responsibility to achieve system purposes.
Boundaries are critical in establishing the identity of the system. The decision on where to draw a system’s boundary largely depends on the purpose of the discussion or analysis at hand.

Bounded rationality refers to the limitations people face when making decisions. These limitations arise from the situation, their cognitive abilities, and the information available to them. As a result, people often rely on shortcuts and quick judgments instead of thoroughly analyzing all available options. Rather than seeking the perfect choice, they frequently settle for an option that meets their basic needs. The concept of bounded rationality acknowledges that individuals cannot always make perfectly rational decisions due to their cognitive constraints and the abundance of information in many situations.

A “Complex Adaptive System” is a collection of diverse, interconnected entities that adapt and interact with each other, leading to emergent behaviours and patterns. These systems are characterized by their ability to evolve and self-organize in response to changes in their environment.