Complication

Unnecessary and artificial complexity

Introduction to the notion

Source: Enterprise Transformation Manifesto; paragraph 5.2

Complication is unnecessary and artificial complexity, generated and accumulated through the Enterprise’s history. Every system suffers from a natural tendency to complicate matters unnecessarily – in other words creating complication without any added value (paragraph 5.2.a). This tendency affects the organization, its processes and its information system (paragraph 5.2.b). The Enterprise must constantly struggle against complication while preserving its irreducible complexity. The solution to this equation combines two principles: eliminating redundancy and establishing the right coupling (paragraph 5.3).

Comment

Conversely to complexity, complication is an artificial and unnecessary complexity, a result of poor design or accumulated over time. It is the opposite of irreducible complexity and brings no added value. Artificial and cultural systems tend towards complication against which we should fight. This drift particularly affects organizations, proportionally to their size.

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