Developing a perspective on schools as complex, evolving, loosely linking systems

Hawkins, Melissa and James, Chris (2018) Developing a perspective on schools as complex, evolving, loosely linking systems. Educational Management Administration & Leadership, 46 (5). pp. 729-748. ISSN 1741-1432

[img]
Preview
Text
Final_Article_re_submitted_to_Educational_Leadership_Management_and_Administration_April_2017.pdf - Accepted Version

Download (905kB) | Preview
Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/1741143217711192

Abstract

The rationale for this article is to give complexity the central place it warrants in school leadership, management and organisational practice and research. We analyse the relevant literature, particularly that relating to complex human systems and their loose coupling nature. The analysis reveals the dimensions of complex human systems and consequences that emanate from those dimensions, which include system evolution. We use the dimensions, together with notions of interactional capability, opportunities for interaction, the legitimacy of interactions and the extent to which the institutional primary task conditions interactions, to create an organisational/institutional perspective on schools as complex, evolving, loosely linking systems (CELLS). Five main systems of a school as a whole-school system are identified: the teaching staff system; the ancillary staff system; the student system; the parent system; and significant other systems in the wider system. In the article, we illustrate the nature of the teaching staff system from a CELLS perspective. We discuss issues arising from our analyses: interaction, influence and leadership; ontological issues; the nature of ‘the school’; the significance of the parent system; the special nature of interactions between the members of the teaching staff system and the student system; and institutional performance.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Complexity, complex human systems, complex, evolving, loosely linking systems, CELLS, interaction
Subjects: X900 Others in Education
Department: Faculties > Business and Law > Newcastle Business School
Depositing User: John Coen
Date Deposited: 11 Jun 2020 12:59
Last Modified: 31 Jul 2021 17:34
URI: http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/43421

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics