What are the main features of complex adaptive systems that are relevant to nursing leadership? (Select all that apply.)

A) Focused on creating organizational change and looking at the whole versus individual parts.
B) Defined by efforts of leadership to mandate organizational change.
C) Autocratic in nature with a top-down structure for change.
D) Dependent on employees knowing what change is necessary and acting independently.
E) Non-linear and dynamic in nature, versus a static process.

Complexity science posits that interactions of the parts within a system are more important than the individual parts. Complexity science, however, recognizes that organizational processes are often non-linear and unpredictable. Through the dynamic interplay of negative and positive feedback an organization is able to make changes to keep abreast of the environmental context. The autocratic top-down decision-making and mandates do not create a sustainable change. Being dependent on employees knowing what change is necessary and acting independently lacks interaction of leadership to stimulate change and adaptation among employees.