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Being “nice”: A complex activity among health professionals following a critical incident

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  • Diana M. Austin
  • Lesley Ferkins
  • Jennie Swann
  • Elizabeth Smythe

Abstract

This paper reports on an action research study to explore the underpinnings of outwardly unsupportive behaviour among health professionals in New Zealand after a critical event and to develop and evaluate a resource to help them recover through mutual care and support. It explores the dynamic nature of the support system, the feedback loops, nonlinearity, underpinning “rules,” and associated behaviour. The tenets of complexity theory are applied to identify characteristics of the system, which, in turn, provide insight into ways of achieving change. The study demonstrates that these health professionals were behaving in ways which they thought were expected, rather than being “nice” to each other: behaviour that was driven by the inherent interrelatedness within an organization or system. This finding not only has significant outcomes for practice but also contributes to a deeper understanding of the emergent nature of complexity theory.

Suggested Citation

  • Diana M. Austin & Lesley Ferkins & Jennie Swann & Elizabeth Smythe, 2020. "Being “nice”: A complex activity among health professionals following a critical incident," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 37(2), pages 199-210, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:srbeha:v:37:y:2020:i:2:p:199-210
    DOI: 10.1002/sres.2614
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