Abstract:
This article is intended to explore the theoretical background behind complexity
science in management and leadership and provide ways to approach educational
leadership research through the use of strange attractor metaphors. Historical and
contemporary leadership strategies have incorporated modernistic models that sometimes
perpetuate problematic aspects of educational management rather than provide
progressive solutions. Several leadership researchers have shown, however,
there is tremendous potential for the emergent properties of complexity theory in
organizational dynamics. The recognition and utilization of strange attractors as
metaphorical constructs of chaos theory also provide us with an elaboration of
teaching and educational leadership theory. Strange attractors seem to exist metaphorically
in many aspects of the organizational dynamics of our educational institutions.
The use of metaphors in lived experience is described, the scientific background
behind strange attractors is introduced, and connections are made between
strange attractors and human interaction. Strange attractors are then metaphorically
described in organizational settings as shared vision, team processes, and
information flows used as positive feedback mechanisms.
