learningforsustainability.netSystems thinking
Systems thinking is an approach to integration that is based on the belief that the component parts of a system will act differently when isolated from the system's environment or other parts of the system. Standing in contrast to positivist and reductionist thinking, systems thinking sets out to view systems in a holistic manner. Consistent with systems philosophy, systems thinking concerns an understanding of a system by examining the linkages and interactions between the elements that comprise the whole of the system. When you encounter situations which are complex and messy, then systems thinking can help you understand the situation systemically. This helps us to see the big picture - from which we may identify multiple leverage points that can be addressed to support constructive change. It also helps us see the connectivity between elements in the situation, so as to support joined-up actions. The links below provide an introduction to systems thinking and how to manage and facilitate it.
Links to Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) can be found later in the page. SSM is an approach to organizational process modeling, and it can be used both for general problem solving and in the management of change.
Systems thinking
- Why things fell apart for joined-up thinking. This article by Simon Caulkin using the UK NHS as a case study highlights why systems thinking is relevant in the real world. The Observer, Sunday February 26, 2006
- BBC systems practice - Managing complexity If you want to generate a fresh perspective of complex issues; if you want to break out of traps and rigid ways of thinking ... then the systems practice website is the place to visit. The thinking section is great if the concepts are new to you. In other sections there are case studies, as well as interviews with Peter Checkland, Russ Ackoff, and Sir Geoffrey Vickers.
- Getting the Big Picture in Natural Resource Management—Systems
Thinking as ‘Method’ for Scientists, Policy Makers and Other Stakeholders
This research paper by Ockie Bosch and Colleagues outlines the benefits of applying Systems Thinking to solving natural resource management problems. It first explains the Systems Thinking concept and briefly outlines its history and emergence in agriculture and natural resourcemanagement. A series of case studies are then presented which illustrate practical examples of how Systems Thinking has been used to address real life natural resource management issues. Finally a framework for the application of Systems Thinking is presented to help improve sustainable land management. - Welcome to SysWeb This site from the Open University Systems Department is committed to the study and application of systems ideas. Activities extend from addressing significant social, ecological, and environmental issues to understanding the implications of computing and networking technology. The groups research encompasses not only conventional, publication-driven inquiry but also 'action research': helping people in organizations to engage with poorly-structured or controversial issues.
- An Introduction to Systems Thinking This useful chapter from Barry Richmond illustrates how systems thinking can help us evolve our thinking, communicating and learning capacities. As we do, he points out we will be able to make progress in addressing the compelling
slate of social issues that challenge our viability. It provides some good descriptions of the issues, and some useful approaches to help us improve our capabilities.
- International Society for the Systems Sciences (ISSS) The International Society for the Systems Sciences (ISSS) is among the first and oldest organizations devoted to interdisciplinary inquiry into the nature of complex systems, and remains perhaps the most broadly inclusive. The Society was initially conceived in 1954 at the Stanford Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences by Ludwig von Bertalanffy, Kenneth Boulding, Ralph Gerard, and Anatol Rapoport. In collaboration with James Grier Miller, it was formally established as an affiliate of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1956. Originally founded as the Society for General Systems Research, the society adopted its current name in 1988 to reflect its broadening scope.
Soft systems methodology
- Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) This article from Wikipedia shows how Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) is an approach to organizational process modeling and it can be used both for general problem solving and in the management of change. It was developed in England by academics at the University of Lancaster Systems Department through a ten year Action Research programme.
- Checkland and Smyth's CATWOE and Soft Systems Methodology Smyth and Checkland's "soft systems methodology" is a response to difficulty in applying the approach approaches of hard systems thinking (e.g. physics and engineering) to business (human activity system) problems. Checkland's SSM approach is his distillation of experience accrued from many projects where typically in a consulting capacity he and colleagues have been involved in advising on high level problems (e.g. company market development, reaping the benefits of information technology).
