Systemic thinking

Abstract

As machine age problems have given way to systems age messes, the underlying complexity associated with understanding these situations has increased exponentially. Accordingly, the methods we use to address these situations must evolve as well. Unfortunately, however, many antiquated methods for dealing with situations remain prominent. Systems engineering is traditionally viewed as the practical application of procedural problem solving, typically geared toward the acquisition of large-scale systems. The underlying paradigm for solving problems with this approach, and other similar approaches, can be characterized as systematic thinking. While quite appropriate for machine age problems, it lacks the theoretical rigor and systemic perspective necessary to deal with systems age messes. Thus, a new paradigm of systemic thinking, conceptually founded in systems theory, is necessary. This chapter provides a brief historical background on the development of systems approaches, contrasts systems approaches and systems engineering and their underlying paradigm with systemic thinking, and introduces practical guidelines for the deployment of a systemic thinking approach that will provide the foundation for the remainder of this book.