An investigation into the worldview of a selected group of Norwegian Army Cadets from a complexity and leadership perspective

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:This thesis examines the Norwegian Army Cadets‟ worldview in light of Complexity Theory and the implications of this theory for leadership.The investigation uses two contradicting theories as a point of departure, Complexity Theory and Newtonian Theory. Complexity Theory is a Social Science-theory that originates from the Natural Science-theory of Quantum Physics where aspect such as non-linearity, chaos and self-organization are highlighted. Furthermore, holistic thinking and bottom-up processes are emphasized.Newtonian Theory is on the other hand based on a mechanistic and reductionist worldview where a constant strife to achieve balance and control through deterministic- and rational mechanisms are highlighted. A Newtonian system thus operates in a causal- and relatively closed environment where change is incremental and top-down driven.Using Complexity Theory as a theoretical starting point speaks for a shift in the way we look at leadership. Traditional leadership theories are normally based on the assumptions of Newtonian thinking, i.e. objectivity, reductionism and determinism. A traditional leader is actively shaping the future through regulations that ultimately end in the obtainment of goals. In other words, the processes are characterized as rational, 'hard and incremental. A Complexity Approach, on the other hand, supports Complexity Theory Principles such as self-organizational processes and chaos. Hence, leaders in complex systems should function as enablers of bottom-up processes and embrace chaos and uncertainty as something positive and nourishing. Furthermore, leaders in complex systems use vision and values as guiding principles and focus on micro-level interactions as opposed to a rule-bound and technical approach.The results from the empirical survey reveal that the Norwegian Army Cadets have a relatively balanced worldview towards Complexity Theory- and Newtonian Principles. On the one hand, a number of strong Newtonian trends such as the perception of conflict, chaos and change as something negative and the embracement of a direct and 'hard leadership style are evident. On the other hand, the Cadets express an adherence towards typical Complexity Theory Principles such as relationship orientation and informal leadership. Hence, it can be argued that the Cadets‟ worldview have elements of both Newtonian Theory and Complexity Theory.This study can be used to evaluate the effect of the current educational paradigm in the Norwegian Army and simultaneously contribute to further insight and discussion around the field of leadership.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University