Exploring the Complexity in Motivation: A Review

• Speaker: Heidi Kloos, University of Cincinnati
• Abstract: In the current paper, we present a systematic review of research that sought to link complexity to questions of learning motivation. Specifically, we identified three ways in which of complexity science can be used to understand a behavior: One way is in terms of the fluctuations that are present in the behavior of complex systems. The second ' more elaborate way is in terms of understanding the nature of fluctuations, for example with the use of long-range correlations. Finally, the third ' most elaborate ' way of using complexity is in terms of identifying the control parameters that make up the attractor space. The resulting list of publications (N = 12) explored motivation either as the behavior of a complex system (67%) or as a factor in higherorder behavior of the system (33%). A majority of publications focused on second-language learning (58%). Results show that motivation can indeed be treated as a complex phenomenon, whether due to the interplay of stability and instability (83%), the presence of attractor states (42%), or the circular interactions among aspects that define the system (42%). Based on these findings, we discuss next steps towards establishing a complexity framework for motivation. Joint work with Michael Droboniku, University of Cincinnati.

Words as Fractals: Bridging the Gap between Appealing Concepts discussed at Conferences and the not so Appealing Reality Experienced on the Shop Floor

• Speaker: Marie-Laure Blanc, Private practice, Aix les Bains, France
• Abstract: To address complexities, leaders often rely on concepts that they then talk about when they go on stage. From Agile to Positive leadership, all come with the promise of ' putting the human dimension at the heart of corporations.' Yet, on the shop floor, the number of employees burnt out or bored out shows that the Human dimension is rarely at the heart of corporations. Instead of pointing out the age-old gap between words and action, what if we consider that there is in fact a gap between two categories of words: those said on stage (Universe 1) and those said every day on the shop floor (Universe 2). The challenge for leaders is thus to consider that each word of their daily conversations (Universe 2) is a fractal of the concepts they talk about when on stage (Universe 1). This challenge implies to: 1. Adapt Mandelbrot's definition of a fractal (1983) to the spoken word and thus consider daily conversations (Universe 2) as a ' reduced-size copy of the whole' (Universe 1). 2. Address the complexity linked to the fact that the same material, the word, is used in both Universes. 3. Use a question revolving around five processes: What should we: 1.Stop? 2.Start? 3.Continue? 4.Perform regularly? 5.Improve? Instead of the ' What should we do?' question that leads to linear answers. When leaders consider that each word they say every day is a fractal of the concepts they go for, they will put the Human dimension at the heart of corporations.

Novelty, and its Assessment: A Multidisciplinary and Complex Systems Approach

• Speaker: Mike Unrau, University of British Columbia
• Abstract: Most scholarly discussions of novelty offer only partial or specified views of what it is or how it can be assessed particular to a discipline or are limited to individual studies. This paper presentation investigates novelty with the goal of offering a multi-systemic and generalizable definition and assessment process to be applicable across multiple disciplines. Novelty is proposed as a quality and state, which includes both a qualitative view that integrates subjective experience and a quantitative view that addresses nonlinear dynamical systems. It is also described as a comparative relatedness of space, time, and context. An 'outlier profile' is defined to search for features of the system that are original or unusual, and a 'low-recurrence profile' for features of the system that are unexpected or a surprise. A detailed research strategy is offered for novelty assessment with an example, and is usable across multiple disciplinary contexts in the sciences and humanities for studies of academic and practical use.