What is Change?

Discovering the beauty of change. Wherever it shines.

This substack is meant to investigate change in all its facades. Change is a worthwhile topic because change can be found everywhere and at any time. This means I won't be short of topics for future posts.

However, the breadth of the term also harbours the danger of being thematically too blurred. I will therefore try to use a simple systems theory model for change that we can use as a guide.

Systems are defined by their function and emergent properties and exist primarily through a boundary between the inside of the system and what is not part of the system (the environment). Within the system there are different system elements, each of which has relationships (e.g. forces) with each other. These relationships can be very simple or very complex. Systems interact with their environment through inputs and outputs. Feedback can quickly strengthen or weaken effects. So far, so familiar.

What does this have to do with change? In systems, changes can be brought about by various causes:

Dynamics of internal processes: Changes in the dynamics of internal components alter the system as a whole. This means that the elements or the relationships between the elements of a system change, resulting in an overall change in the system.

Adaptation to external conditions: The external conditions have an influence on the system. If external conditions change, this can have an influence on the structure and/or function of a system.

Self-organisation and emergence: Complex systems develop properties that do not result directly from the elements and relationships, but are rather a consequence of self-organisation.

When analysing changes, you should always ask yourself which system you are analysing and where the change (see above) comes from. In addition, feedback effects and the speed of change (evolution vs. disruption) are decisive factors.

Now, go change!