Collective Impact and the Imperative of Shifting the Balance of Power: An Implication of Complexity

The collective impact approach to achieving greater wellbeing at a population level is grounded in the realisation that that human society and the communities that it comprises of are complex and the insights that complexity science and systems theory bring. This paper examines the approach through the lens of a theoretical framework, grounded in complexity science and systems theory, which was assembled by the author as part of wider research towards a doctoral thesis. Collective impact initiatives are essentially attempts to enhance wellbeing. The theory presented here is focused upon identifying the conditions conducive to enhancing wellbeing in complex human systems. That is the systems that constitutes and individual person or the social settings in which they live their lives. The theory put forward supports the proposition that a key enabling and/or inhibiting factor in the success of change initiatives is the dispositions or habitus, particularly in respect to the management of power in relationships, that are inculcated into people via their life experiences. The implications of this proposition are explored. An example of applying the suggestions which result is shared which is drawn from a case study from the author’s research.