Using Complexity sCienCe ConCepts When Designing system interventions anD evalUations

A useful way to think about the relationship of these multiple dynamics within complex social systems builds on the work of Ralph Stacey who views the degree of (a) agreement and (b) certainty in a social system as the basis for differentiating system dynamics. “Agreement” refers to the degree of accord among, for example, those in a group, team, organization, or community about their priorities and the activities they engage in. “Certainty” refers to how predictably cause-and-effect relationships among actions, conditions, and consequences can be anticipated. (See Figure . )