Episode 2: Organizations, Emergence, and Living Systems (Part 2) with Dr. Werner van Zyl and Ryan McCreedy

The Management Theory Toolbox

What does management theory have to do with Jurassic Park? Or quantum physics? Join Dr. Werner van Zyl and Ryan McCreedy on this episode of The Management Theory Toolbox where we explore the idea of organizations as complex adaptive systems. Not only does this open our eyes to the "matrix" of the business world, but it has profound implications for leaders who need to be prepared to iterate rapidly in today's ever-shifting landscape.
Dr. Werner van Zyl [Guest], B. Comm (Hons), MBA, DBL, is highly passionate about complex systems, blending his doctoral research in complexity with practical experience. His specialization lies at the nexus of human behaviour and technology, with a keen focus on the psychology and neuroscience underpinning human actions. This unique perspective guides his approach in consulting and daily work improving organizational effectiveness and efficiency. He uses his experience in knowledge management, human behaviour and complex systems to provide novel perspectives on problem solving at Jizni Performance, where he is a business development principal, always looking for ways to ensure processes and workflows improvement in a complex environment.
Ryan T. W. McCreedy [Guest], is a Leadership and Organizational Psychology scholar-practitioner based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, dedicated to creating inclusive, equitable workforces and economic systems. He works as a Principal Organizational Effectiveness Consultant at Slalom Consulting in Boston, focusing on talent and organizational development for Fortune 100 clients, and leads Slalom's global Leadership and Team Development capabilities. With a background in engineering and behavioral sciences, Ryan has contributed to transformative changes in various industries. He also engages in organizational behavior research and helps teach graduate courses at Harvard. Ryan holds several degrees, including a B.S. from George Mason University, an A.L.M from Harvard Extension School, and is pursuing a doctoral degree at William James College focusing in applications of neuroscience in workplaces. Beyond his professional life, he enjoys brewing beer, cooking, music, philosophical discussions, and traveling with his wife Hannah.
Travis C. Mallett [Host], is a Masters of Liberal Arts (ALM) candidate at Harvard University Extension School, where he has also earned Professional Graduate Certificates in both Organizational Behavior and Strategic Management. Travis previously received undergraduate degrees in Electrical Engineering, General Mathematics, and Music from Washington State University. He also served as an Engineering Manager at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, where he led a team responsible for developing and maintaining SEL's highest-selling product line. An innovative force in engineering, Travis holds numerous patents and has authored papers and books across diverse subjects. His passion for continuous learning and organizational excellence propels him to explore and illuminate the intricacies of management theories. Through his podcast, "The Management Theory Toolbox", he offers valuable insights on effective leadership, business innovation, and strategic methodologies.
Want to dive in even deeper? Visit the full show notes for this episode.

Chapters

1. Episode 2: Organizations, Emergence, and Living Systems (Part 2) with Dr. Werner van Zyl and Ryan McCreedy (00:00:00)

2. Understanding Emergence and Complex Adaptive Systems (00:00:01)

3. Complex Systems and the Butterfly Effect (00:11:22)

4. Emergence and Self-Organization in Organizations (00:18:40)

5. Studying Organizational Behavior in Management (00:32:52)