Looking at Leadership Through Complexity

Abstract

This paper sought to understand the application of general system theory in the Criminal Justice system in the United States. This corrective and punishing system encompassed different institutions that have to work together to realize the common objective── ensuring that justice is served. However, the complexity of the justice system means that the organization should concentrate on improving its structure. It is necessary that activities in the criminal justice system be well coordinated, and setting up a model that would be effective in addressing the problems that could impede justice in the United States. Based on this, problems have to be addressed as whole, as opposed to concentrating on separate elements of a system. In doing this, it ensures that the system functionality is improved, with the emphasis on meeting the defined goals and objectives. As noted, aligning this model into the goals and objectives could take a long time, meaning that commitment and dedication to the course are essential.

1

© 2014 Laureate Education, Inc.

Contents

Systems Disciplines (Week 4) 2

Learning disciplines 2

System theory learning 2

Personal mastery 2

Mental models 3

Shared vision 3

Recommendation 3

References 5

In an organization, learning is necessary as the management makes better decisions from what has been learned. Indeed, there are ways that the organization management could use the valuable information learned.

In the criminal justice department, System Learning is similar to organizational learning, and it is important in gathering research knowledge. In system theory learning, individual get to learn subjects such as mathematics, engineering, physics, economic, law, and sociology. For example, individuals within the criminal justice department are required to master the law. In modern world, it is noted that organizational learning has been structured, considering employees have to learn the essentials of the work performance. This discipline informs the leadership and management in that they must ensure that each employee has all the essentials in doing their work. The organization will improve with this discipline if the employees are better placed to understand what is needed from them (Boreham & Morgan, 2004). Comment by Kenneth Levitt: Shouldn’t the use be more applied? Comment by Kenneth Levitt: plural

Personal mastery is described as learning that enables individuals to keep both personal visions and understanding the reality of issues in the organization. In fact, personal mastery sparks creative tension. It is believed that tension seeks resolution, which forces individuals to move where they desire (Senge, 1990). In most cases, when an individual is convinced that a vision or a result is vital, it is imperative for them to change their lives, to realize the dreams. For example, in the justice department, the involved parties should make sure that they understand what is required for justice to be served at the right time. This discipline informs the leadership and management in that when reaching a decision on how best to grant justice, and they must understand what is needed. The organization will improve with this discipline if the law enforcers should know the reality of the issues that are faced in the streamlining of the justice system. Comment by Kenneth Levitt: could use more descriptionh

Mental models refer to the deeply ingrained assumption or sometimes generalization. In some cases, it could be about the pictures and images that are important in understanding how individuals play a critical role in influencing the world through their deeds. In the criminal justice system, most of the inferences made are not based on assumptions but reality (Senge, 1990). This discipline informs the leadership or management that when they’re making some inferences, they should base it on reality. The organization will improve with this discipline if the explanation given in finding justice is clear enough for the individuals to have a picture of the situation.

A shared vision is commonly referred to the practice of revealing the familiar images of the future, which are crucial in fostering genuine commitment and enrollment, as opposed to compliance. For example, all the workers in the criminal justice system should demonstrate total commitment to work. Comment by Kenneth Levitt: needs some more explanation

In this light, the decisions considered by the leadership or management of the organization should be in line with the future expectation (Senge, 1990). To make this discipline active in the organization, all the employees must align all their personal goals to that of the organization. Therefore, the organization will improve with this discipline if the organization’s objectives are aligned with that of employees. Comment by Kenneth Levitt: Needs more elaboration

Boreham*, N., & Morgan, C. (2004). A sociocultural analysis of organisational learning. Oxford review of education, 30(3), 307-325.

Senge, P. (2006). The fifth discipline. Currency Doubleday, New York.

© 2014 Laureate Education, Inc.