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Explorations in the Transition from a Techno-economic to a Socio-technical Future
This discussion previews material from the upcoming book, Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0 – Explorations in the Transition from a Techno-economic to a Socio-technical Future, to be published as an open-source book through Springer in March 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwABA0Ch2Sg
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Toxic Leaders and Tough Bosses: Organizational Guardrails to Keep High Performers on Track
About this book Toxic work culture is driving away 1 in 5 employees at an annual cost of US $44.6 billion to American organizations. Yet ironically, toxic leaders often achieve stellar financial profits, continue to get promoted and remain in their leadership roles. In Toxic Leaders and Tough Bosses – Organizational Guardrails to Keep High Performers on Track, employment law attorney Teresa A. Daniel JD, PhD, draws upon numerous studies and interviews to show the real, devastating impact of toxic workplace culture and why leaders must care. This book discusses what signs to look out for in a toxic workplace, factors that promote toxic behavior, types of leaders and how…
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Handbook of Systems Sciences – new access
The Handbook of Systems Sciences, published by Springer in 2021, can be accessed in three different ways: Through libraries which subscribe to the Springer Reference Series. By purchasing the handbook ($699.99), or individual chapters ($29.95), which gives full, unlimited access: https://link.springer.com/referencework/10.1007/978-981-15-0720-5 (Select a chapter title for purchase of that chapter.) Through SharedIt, a service purchased by Springer Nature, which provides free, read-only online access to individual chapters. Links for each of the chapters of the Handbook of Systems Sciences are listed below: Metcalf, G.S. et al. (2021). Introduction to the Handbook of Systems Sciences. In: Metcalf, G.S., Kijima, K., Deguchi, H. (eds) Handbook of Systems Sciences. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978 981…
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A Dark Matter of Memory: Adding fiction novel to our repertoire
I’ve recently published a novel, A Dark Matter of Memory. It explores the possibility that dark matter (which is a placeholder for unknown parts of the universe) might retain patterns of history. Not only was it a great deal of fun to write, it’s also a different way of approaching social systems design. What possibilities can we imagine, which might then shape the work that creates them? “A Dark Matter of Memory is a love story set in a future beyond nation-states. Alfred Medupe, a young scientist from the African Region, is exploring the possibility of finding memory in dark matter. Then a tragedy makes his search more personal. Is…
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Social Systems and Design podcast
This podcast was hosted by Tom Scholte, as part of the New Books in Systems and Cybernetics series.
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The complexity of climate change and the need for policies of resilience
Forthcoming in the Journal on Policy and Complex Systems *** Abstract: The challenges presented by climate change may be the most complex issues humans have faced. It is critical to capture that complexity in ways that can be understood across disciplines. Equally daunting is the task of developing policies which can translate into actions. Scientifically, humans need to cease all use of fossil fuels as soon as possible. Feasibly, that could wreak havoc on global economies. This paper explores the design of policies which could move human societies towards resilient and biophysically sustainable systems. The petrochemical industry is considered as an example for change. Introduction There is arguably no more…
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Complex systems science whitepaper (excerpts)
There are numerous, in-depth reports about climate change from scientific communities and governmental committees. Some of the most prominent are listed at the end of this paper. Many reports detail the causes and outcomes of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) and rising atmospheric temperatures. Others, such as the 2018 special report by the IPCC, provide detailed scenarios for potential mitigation (slowing or ceasing CO2 emissions within given timeframes) and interventions (such as removing CO2 from the atmosphere.) Due to the extent of existing climate science, this paper will focus on issues related to next steps, particularly with respect to human use of energy. What would it mean to cease use of fossil…
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Toxic Leadership in Context
A sizeable body of research and other literature has been developing about toxic leadership and workplace bullying. Our earlier work found distinctions between tough bosses and true bullies in the workplace. A later study showed that military officers were able to clearly identify differences between tough but effective leaders, and toxic leaders. That work was extended into the organizational climates which seem to promote toxic leaders and bullies. Other colleagues have explored potentials for changes in bullying behavior through executive coaching interventions, noting that some executives simply lack awareness of their behaviors, or the effects on those around them. The focus of this paper is the synthesis of earlier findings,…
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Are You a Toxic Leader or Just a Tough Boss?
By Teresa A. Daniel, JD, PhD and Gary S. Metcalf, PhD As scholar-practitioners, this question has consumed our research agenda for the past several years. In an attempt to find answers, we have completed studies both in the corporate sector [i] and in a military environment (in this case, the U.S. Army). [ii] But what is it that toxic leaders do and why, you might be asking, should anyone care? Isn’t this just the newest buzzword in a long line of “hot” topics? Toxic Leaders—Who They Are and What They Do Whether they are labeled as toxic leaders (in a military context) or workplace bullies (in a corporate environment), they…
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Adaptive Capacity in Project Teams (Edson & Metcalf)
Organizational resilience has become critical in today’s environment. According to Engelhardt and Simmons (2002): “The need for organizational flexibility to accommodate a changing world is well understood. Today’s high-velocity and competitive markets apply added pressure to adapt rapidly and perform at high levels. Technology is opening up new ways to compete while making old ways obsolete. These trends are recognized in strategic management theories that focus on constant change and speed” (p. 113). Some project teams were adept at overcoming adversity, while others were not. The project teams that adapted to environmental constraints were able to modify their behaviors to meet goals without losing their function, while others were not.…