Fw: [searchnet] The Math of Networks

[Peggy Holman]

The Math of NetworksThought I'd offer up something Kenoli posted on the future search listserv.  Might tickle a few chords here.  (Hi Kenoli)

from cold, cloudy Seattle,
Peggy


----- Original Message ----- 
From: kenoli Oleari 
To: future search 
Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2003 7:42 AM
Subject: [searchnet] The Math of Networks


AT our recent West Coast Future Search Network meeting, we had a couple of learnings and insights I wanted to share with this list, hoping to hear your reflections.  I am going to send them in separate emails in order to encourage a dialog on each of them.


The first was brought to us by Jerry Talley, a new participant in the group who we hope to see much more of.  The reflection was one based on an aspect of networks with which he was familiar.  It is interesting because it gives a possible mathematical model for "why" future search works.  Jerry is going to send some information on actually quantifying the dynamics described below.


--Kenoli


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The Math of Networks (from Jerry Talley)

Recent research in complexity theory and the properties of networks has given us a sharper understanding of how some FS strategies actually work. 

The starting point is the well documented "small world phenomena"; it was popularized in the movie "The Six Degrees of Separation".  It turns out that virtually any 2 people on the planet are separated by about 6 links of association.  That is, a rug merchant in the Middle East can connect to a rural farmer in China in about 6 jumps. 

There are other examples of the small world phenomena.  The human brain is organized in the same way.  Because of that, the brain can mount an almost instantaneous subjective experience encompassing memory, sensation, emotion, anticipated futures, emotions, and more. 

The infrastructure of the internet has the same structure.  As a result, massive amounts of information can move quickly and easily. 

Networks which have this special structure are more adaptive and innovative than we would ever imagine possible.  This special structure is easy to characterize.  There are clusters of associations (like people who known by hundreds, like the optical processing center in the brain, or like eBay on the Internet).  And then the really special element is added on top of these clusters:  there is a few long links. 

The occasional long link ties the network together.  Rather than isolated clusters, the network is suddenly almost alive.  In fact, the structure of the relationships takes the whole network through an abrupt and critical shift.  The increase in links produces a disproportionate increase in capability. 

In summary, one of the most powerful results of a FS conference may be the creation of long links between previously isolated clusters.  People from different departments.  People from different ethnic communities.  People from distant perspectives.  When they start talking to each other, the "network" quickly becomes supercritical.  The increased capability means greater adaptability, the ability to hold complex or even conflicted conversations, and greater innovation. 


--
Kenoli Oleari, Horizons of Change, http://www.horizonsofchange.com
1801 Fairview Street, Berkeley, CA  94703   Voice Phone: 510-601-8217,
Fax: 510-595-8369, Email: kenoli at igc.org (or click on: mailto:kenoli at igc.org)
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