Managing systemic change: Future roles for social learning systems and communities of practice?

Abstract

The Open University course that prompted this book, and for which it is part of the required reading, focuses on managing systemic change. The course is designed for people who want to develop their skills and understanding in systems thinking and practice, to be used in a range of different domains. Most of the examples in the course come from work-based settings. The idea of managing in this context is mainly about appreciating situations with others, recognising what actions are desirable and feasible and for whom, and getting organised, in order to affect or respond to change in a positive way. It has little to do with control. As Vickers (1978, p. 81) said 'I do not think it too much to hope that an understanding of systemic relations may bring us a better understanding of our limitations and even our possibilities.' © 2010 Springer-Verlag London Limited.