Second Order
From Change
The term second order is meant to invoke the concept that rather than trying to manipulate the system directly and explicitly so as to realise a given outcome, we should focus on creating a context and process that will be conducive to the growth or emergence of the desired outcome.
This may sound a little vague, but it is an approach that is being employed successfully in a number of areas:
- open space conferencing: here more emphasis is placed on facilitation of delegates and providing guidance, venues, collaboration tools etc. rather than a predefined program.
- test-first programming: here we focus on creating constraints that ensure that the software functions as we expect, rather than just trying to write the code
- emergent social change: here the is focus on building relationships and understanding that will lead to change, rather than just decreeing what must happen.
- agile software development: here we focus on the process of adapting software to the customers needs and understanding those needs relative to our progress to date, rather than trying to construct a perfect design before we start.
Generally this approach is begin applied wherever there is a complex system that needs to change or adapt and where the practitioners have realised that it is not reasonable to be able construct a detail plan in advance and be simultaneously sure its success. Rather the practitioners put their efforts into creating a framework for change.
The difficulty with these approaches is that it requires a degree of relaxing the normal controls that often put in place. It also requires a greater degree of trust between the participants. Additionally, it generally requires more explicit engagement by all parties in the development or change process.
With freedom comes responsibility
Taking a second order approach is one that gives more freedom for movement and adaptation. However, in order for there to be constructive progress the individuals involved need to take greater responsibility for their actions.
