Complexity theory in public management Research Paper

Complexity theory in public management - Research Paper Example Unfortunately, complexity theory has little been used in public management. In other social sciences, for example economics, evolutionary approach has widely been used instead of complexity theory. The question on whether complexity theory can increase our understanding of the phenomena of public management is intriguing. Weber (2008) says that the public sector has largely been ignored because of its stale and impractical ideas which are only based on the understanding of its existence. Public management has in the recent past crumbled and therefore, its time to replace its proliferation of frameworks, theories and concepts (Weber, 2008). Because of complexities in public management theories, public management has split into many sub-strands, like sociologists, political scientists, economists, and management theorists, who are developing alternative theories that try to explain management in the public sector. Complexity theory and problem resolution Complexity theory helps to addr ess problems of decision making and service delivery in public management. ... Complexity theory has all potentials of addressing the challenges in public policy and management that practitioners face. They are also important in weaving many theoretical strands in management of public sectors into a seamless whole. Early works that have tried to connect public management with complexity theory related concepts wasted by great scholars like Douglas Kiel and Sam Overman among others (Weber, 2008). Public management policy has recognized limitations that they are prune to due to the complexity and diversity of human nature. Decision making is characterized by both practical and theoretical limitations due to rational; thinking and comprehensive protocols. Complexity theory provides the groundwork within which alternative ways of understanding these rationalist protocols and logistics can be recognized. According to Weber, complexity theories may be the only solution that will help increase theory’s coherence and re-invigoration of the discipline across many perspectives that bear these problems in public management. Complex adaptive system is particularly suggested as an essential way of understanding systems that provide an intellectual framework where fresh understanding of the systems of public management can be observed and sought. The multiplicity, non linear interactions and intensity of complexity theory seems to agree with complex adaptive theory. Though their outcomes are rarely fully predictable, they may not serve their purpose well in public management. Emergent order and self- organization concepts seem like characterizations that are reasonable. Effects of complexity theory on management practices in current systems Complexity theory gives the public sector a big room for improving the understanding of public management and