Work System Patterns for Complex Adaptive Systems

Modern socio-technical systems demand management initiatives that acknowledge work as dynamic and negotiated, rather than fixedly prescribed. This paper discusses the benefits of pattern finding (inductive detection of weak signals) and pattern priming (deductive use of a Work-as-X archetype catalogue) to achieve a larger understanding of work via dedicated patterns. The notion of work system pattern is first formalised with first-order logic and then positioned within the Structured Exploration of Complex Adaptations (SECA) method, designed as a dual-loop engine for its operationalisation towards weak signals identification. This pattern-based analytical inquiry is meant to accelerate sense-making, support organisational learning, and sharpen resilience potentials, especially in volatile high-risk socio-technical system.