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Qualifying the Concept of Systems Complexity

The purpose of this contribution is to propose a systems interpretation of the concept of complexity that highlights the limits of traditional interpretations generally based on quantitative measurement approaches. Our proposal is developed by adopting the Viable Systems Approach (VSA) and, in particular, the distinction between a structure-based and a systems based view, derived from the so called structure-system paradigm. A systems conception of complexity implies considering perspective elements when investigating business as well as social phenomena by shifting from objectivity to subjectivity and from a structural to a systems view. The systems approach allows for recognizing that complexity is not attributable to the observed phenomenon in itself but subjectively depends on the interpretative capacity of the observer. By adopting the proposed interpretative perspective, complexity can represent a paradigm of reference through which to evaluate the viability of organizations or systems as linked to the decision makers capabilities to face a fast changing environment dealing with conditions of complexity. In order to illustrate practical implications of our perspective, two case studies are proposed as particularly significant to assess the systems’ conditions of viability: the financial system and the healthcare systems. Both these systems strive to remain viable and are characterized by phenomena that challenge their stability giving rise to conditions of complexity whose interpretation can benefit from the adoption of a systems thinking approach.