International Scientific Journal
of Methods and Models of Complexity
VOLUME 6, ISSSUE 1
MAY 2003
The Group Development Process
Seen through the Lens of Complexity Theory
John Campbell, J. David Flynn, James Hay
Complexity theory is used to develop a model of group development based on earlier research with social groups such as Tuckman and Jensen’s stages of forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning (1977). The model shows how these stages correspond to Wolfram’s four attractor classes of order (point and periodic), chaos (strange) and complexity, and transitions among them. Kauffman’s NK models suggests several ways of moving networks among the attractor regions (1995). The theory was tested on data derived from observations by a Facilitator, and feedback from participants, who participated in a series of training workshops for other facilitators, and for members of a labour union.
The results confirmed that these training groups made three clearly identifiable transitions among the regions of complexity theory. Initially, the Facilitator breaks down expectations of order, while establishing a multitude of interactions among group members to help the group make the transition from order into the realm of chaos. The result is great uncertainty and unpredictability for both the participants and the Facilitator.
Later, through the establishment of goals and simple rules, the group begins to focus, uncertainty decreases, and the group makes a second transition from chaos to complexity, just within the region of order, at the ‘edge of chaos’. Complex groups resemble sports teams in the Zone during peak experiences. They are very creative and require little input from the Facilitator. Finally, in the third transition, the Facilitator prepares participants to move from complexity back to more orderly organizations and institutions.
The paper concludes with a discussion of how complexity theory can organize earlier research and theory on group development, and offers suggestion for more quantitative research using these ideas. The paper should be of interest to those who wish to apply models of complexity theory to social change in all social systems.
Key Words: chaos, complexity, order, stages of group development, facilitating, social change