Q: How do we define Social Dynamics?
Thoughts: Social dynamics is the ability of a group of people, be it a society, a culture, an organization, a family or a team (at work), to successfully adapt to the nature of change in their system of function, purpose and governance.
What is very clear in the study of work is that the nature of performing work today has less “independence” in the activities leading to business results than in the past. People need other people to complete their work, either from the standpoint of transactional work or creative thinking work. The task delivery process of work (make this widget or fill this order) has been rebalanced with creative problem solving work process (solve this unique problem or create this unique solution). Isn’t it telling that two of the most common work behaviors used to define work today are ‘collaboration’ and ‘innovation’? Innovation can be, and is often, achieved by an individual working alone. However, with the pace of change and the demands for results, innovation can be increased when exemplified within the social dynamics of a TEAM at work. Collaboration and innovation involve superior levels of social dynamics, accentuating the need of a group of people to respond successfully to the nature of change to solve problems and create solutions.