Episode 1: Organizations, Emergence, and Living Systems (Part 1) with Kati Livingston

The Management Theory Toolbox

Are you ready to have your perspective on organizations fundamentally transformed? This episode promises to do just that as we traverse through cosmic evolution to the intricate dynamics of modern organizations. Our guest, Kati Livingston, brings her expertise in adult development and psychology, to unravel the intriguing concept of organizations as living systems, potentially the pinnacle of emergence in nature. We'll challenge your perception of organizations as a mere web of individuals and propose an alternative view of them as organic entities.
Diving deeper, we unpack the profound implications of viewing organizations as living systems, illustrating its impact on corporate strategy and leadership behavior. This perspective embraces the internal dynamics and external influences on an organization, shifting the focus from stabilization to adaptation. We also venture into thought-provoking philosophical debates, comparing the machine model of organizations with the living system model. Moreover, we touch on how understanding the complexities of the physical world matters in organizational management and explore the influence of the Protestant work ethic on American culture. Don't miss this enlightening exploration that pushes the boundaries of traditional organizational understanding.
Kathrine (Kati) Livingston [Guest], M.A., Ed.M., Adult Development and Psychology, has worked in several leadership positions at Harvard University, including the Assistant Director of the Change Leadership Group at the Graduate School of Education. Presently Kati focuses on executive coaching, team dynamics, and adult development, delivering team and leadership initiatives to clients in the pharmaceutical, biotech, healthcare, communication, and finance sectors, and teaches in the graduate Management Program (MLA) at the Harvard University Extension School. She is also a certified yoga instructor, mindfulness meditation facilitator, and augments her work with somatic practices and principles from the neuroscience of change.
Travis C. Mallett [Host], is a Masters of Liberal Arts (ALM) candidate at Harvard University Extension School, where he has also earned Professional Graduate Certificates in both Organizational Behavior and Strategic Management. Travis previously received undergraduate degrees in Electrical Engineering, General Mathematics, and Music from Washington State University. He also served as an Engineering Manager at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, where he led a team responsible for developing and maintaining SEL's highest-selling product line. An innovative force in engineering, Travis holds numerous patents and has authored papers and books across diverse subjects. His passion for continuous learning and organizational excellence propels him to explore and illuminate the intricacies of management theories. Through his podcast, "The Management Theory Toolbox", he offers valuable insights on effective leadership, business innovation, and strategic methodologies.
Want to dive in even deeper? Visit the full show notes for this episode.

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1. Episode 1: Organizations, Emergence, and Living Systems (Part 1) with Kati Livingston (00:00:00)

2. Living Systems in Organizational Emergence (00:00:01)

3. Understanding Organizations as Living Systems (00:15:25)

4. Management Theory Toolbox (00:31:20)