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HERO ID
2480408
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
Fostering Complexity Thinking in Action Research for Change in Social-Ecological Systems
Author(s)
Rogers, KH; Luton, R; Biggs, H; Biggs, R(; Blignaut, S; Choles, AG; Palmer, CG; Tangwe, P
Year
2013
Is Peer Reviewed?
Yes
Journal
Ecology and Society
ISSN:
1708-3087
Volume
18
Issue
2
DOI
10.5751/ES-05330-180231
Web of Science Id
WOS:000321257100005
Abstract
Complexity thinking is increasingly being embraced by a wide range of academics and professionals as imperative for dealing with today's pressing social-ecological challenges. In this context, action researchers partner directly with stakeholders (communities, governance institutions, and work resource managers, etc.) to embed a complexity frame of reference for decision making. In doing so, both researchers and stakeholders must strive to internalize not only "intellectual complexity" (knowing) but also "lived complexity" (being and practicing). Four common conceptualizations of learning (explicit/tacit knowledge framework; unlearning selective exposure; conscious/competence learning matrix; and model of learning loops) are integrated to provide a new framework that describes how learning takes place in complex systems. Deep reflection leading to transformational learning is required to foster the changes in mindset and behaviors needed to adopt a complexity frame of reference. We then present three broad frames of mind (openness, situational awareness, and a healthy respect for the restraint/action paradox), which each encompass a set of habits of mind, to create a useful framework that allows one to unlearn reductionist habits while adopting and embedding those more conducive to working in complex systems. Habits of mind provide useful heuristic tools to guide researchers and stakeholders through processes of participative planning and adaptive decision making in complex social-ecological systems.
Keywords
competency; complexity thinking; consciousness; habits of mind; integrated learning framework; lived complexity; reductionism; tacit knowledge; unlearning
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