Competencies Necessary for Systems Research

Abstract

Conducting systems research requires both knowledge and competence. This chapter outlines key perceptual competencies demanded of systems researchers. We begin with the ability to perceive the presence of systemic wholes and parts. Next, we consider competencies involved in perceiving key characteristics of complex systems (order, change, relationships, and information). Scholars are often called to generalize their findings to other settings; the search for similarity among different contexts involves analogical reasoning, an important perceptual competency for skillful systems research. We address challenges of engaging with the uncertainties of systemic inquiries, along with a call for systems researchers to be reflexive of the ways they become personally affected by the phenomena they investigate.