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In search of elegance: making the complex simple.
1School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. clanc027@umn.edu
The Journal of Nursing Administration
|December 4, 2009
Summary
Complex systems science offers new management perspectives for organizations like hospitals. This study explores applying the concept of elegance to solve complex problems in management.
Area of Science:
- Complex systems science
- Systems theory
- Organizational management
Background:
- Systems naturally increase in complexity over time.
- Complex systems science provides novel insights into managing social organizations, particularly hospitals.
- This research builds upon systems theory, extending its application to management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply the concept of elegance to complex problem-solving within management.
- To extend the series on applying complex systems science to traditional management functions.
- To explore innovative approaches to organizational management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and conceptual analysis.
- Application of complex systems principles to management theory.
- Focus on the concept of elegance as a problem-solving tool.
Main Results:
- Elegance can be a valuable criterion for effective solutions in complex management scenarios.
- Applying systems thinking enhances traditional management practices.
- Understanding system evolution aids in developing adaptive strategies.
Conclusions:
- The principle of elegance offers a powerful framework for addressing complexity in management.
- Complex systems science provides a robust lens for re-evaluating and improving organizational management.
- Further research can explore practical implementations of elegance in diverse organizational settings.
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