More than Parts but still not a Whole

A famous saying in holistic thinking/systems thinking is that the whole is more than the sum of the parts. Implying that when the parts come together they create a multiplier effect as a result of which the outcome created is much more than their combined capacities. However, I have encountered situations where even when parts come together they are still not able to keep the system together and thus it lacks a whole.

Complicated systems (like machines), complex systems (intelligent machines) and complex adaptive systems (like living entities and advanced artificial intelligence) are all examples where the emergent outcome is much more than the summation of the individual capabilities of the parts. For example, a cricket team having very few or no star players could still beat an all-star team on a given day. The emergent outcome is the quality of play which can outperform the other team. The quality depends on the nature of relationships and the extent and quality of mutual interactions. The information flows between the parts holds the key to interactions. If the information flows are weak then the quality of interactions is poor thereby impacting the quality of outcome.

Organizations are also an example of a complex and complex adaptive system where performance is an outcome of the quality of information flows between departments and between employees. A football team increases its probability of scoring a goal by having more possession of the ball in a game. The key to holding possession of the ball is to be able to pass it to your player at the right time, in the right manner and such that the receiving player is expecting the pass to come and hence is ready. The same process repeats itself in a loop thereby retaining the possession of the ball. Organizations also need to retain market share for them to remain in business, and be competitive, profitable and sustainable. Effective information flows, with minimum time delays, within the system are key for keeping the team and organization in the winning zone. The whole system's success is dependent on the capability of each part, the quality of mutual interactions and the resultant emergent outcome it produces.

But sometimes the system is more than the parts but still lacks a whole. This is one of the more recent learnings I am encountering in my practice of systems thinking. It is a strange paradox. I have some opinions about why this happens and would love to know more from others. Below is why I think a system that is more than the sum of the parts may still lack a whole (which keeps the system together).

1) When there are no (explicit) common goals

2) When the goals of some of the critical parts are not aligned with the emergent goal of the whole

3) When information flows between the parts is adequate but the information flows between different levels, hierarchies are inadequate

And most importantly

4) When the information flows are one-way and not mutual across parts and between different levels, and hierarchies.

What are the other factors that come to your mind? Have you encountered a similar conundrum?

If you resonate with the above then please do share your experiences, opinions and thoughts. Happy to learn together!