Chaos theory refers to the idea that seemingly random, unorganized events are subject to a subtle underlying order. “The term ‘chaos theory’ used in physics refers to: an apparent lack of order in a system that nevertheless obeys particular laws and rules” (Oldwolf, 2018). A typical example of chaos theory is the billiard table. Regardless of how consistent the break shot seems to be, the result of how the pack of balls breaks will be different. Minute variations in speed, angle, and other factors influence the way the balls move, how they collide with each other, and how they react, resulting in a drastically different break shot each time. The smallest variation can cause large results. However, even though the results appear to be different each time, underlying patterns emerge. Stewart (as cited in Obolensky, 2016) said “Chaos behavior obeys deterministic laws, but it is so irregular that to an untrained eye it looks pretty much random. Chaos is not just complicated, patternless behavior; it is far more subtle. Chaos is apparently complicated, apparently patternless behavior that actually has a simple deterministic explanation.”
In a video entitled Who Needs Leaders? Obolensky (2008) provides an example in which it is demonstrated that order emerges from a seemingly chaotic and unorganized situation. There were two aspects of this demonstration that were fascinating to me. First, there were no leaders in the group. Despite participating in a chaotic exercise there was nobody that was assigned to lead and organize the group. There was no hierarchy, and no managers. In fact, it is plausible to suggest that it would have taken longer to get the group as organized with leaders than it took without leaders. Second, order emerged by following a few simple rules. “The counter-intuitive and intriguing conclusion is that the more complex the situation and task, the less directive traditional leadership is needed” (Obolensky, 2016). This concept is difficult for traditional leaders to grasp because the typical reaction of a manager is to try to get control of the chaos by commanding, ordering, and directing.
Organizational leaders should be aware of the implications that chaos theory has on strategy. In place of a strategy that implements artificial restrictions and forces unnatural order, leaders need to take a step back and allow the underlying order of chaos to emerge. Leaders can stimulate the emergence of order by providing the right environment. Leaders can ensure that team members are aware of the underlying purpose and objectives, that the limitations of the environment are commonly known, and by empowering (Obolensky, 2016).
I witnessed aspects of the chaos theory first hand last September. Hurricane Harvey impacted the Texas coast the last week of August, 2017. Fortunately for me the devastating rainfall stayed west of where I live. However, Orange texas, which is just 25 miles away received over 50 inches of precipitation. The scene was chaotic as the floodwaters receded and people tried to make sense of what had happened. As the floodwaters went down, church and community groups went to work. Volunteers were lined up to offer assistance before the water had come down enough to start working. I spent every weekend in September mucking out homes, ripping out sheetrock, moving saturated possessions to the street, and offering words of encouragement. The various church and community groups self-organized; there was no call from the government asking for assistance. Although each work team of about six to ten people had a team leader, there was nobody that was ultimately “in charge.” The different churches and groups worked together and established a few simple rules. For example, it was determined that the homes of community leaders and first responders had highest priority, followed by the elderly and incapacitated. By the end of September thousands of homes had been mucked out. It was incredible to be a part of it all and fascinating to see the paradox of order come out of chaos.
References
Obolensky, N. (2008). Who needs leaders? [Video File]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/41QKeKQ2O3E
Obolensky, N. (2016). Complex adaptive leadership: Embracing paradox and uncertainty (2nd ed.) New York, NY: Taylor & Francis
Oldwolf, B. (2018, February 13). Chaos theory: A starter guide. Retrieved from https://owlcation.com/stem/Chaos-Theory-A-Starter-Guide
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