Critical Systems Thinking : A Practitioner's Guide / Michael C. Jackson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Jackson, Michael C., 1951- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

System analysis.

System theory.

Leadership.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (255 pages)

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Hoboken, New Jersey : Wiley, [2024]

Summary:

Understand the full range of systems approaches and how to use them with this innovative overview. Leaders and managers face increasing complexity and uncertainty because technical, organizational, socio-cultural, political, and environmental issues have become intensely interconnected. Systems thinking is recognized as the essential competence for managing complexity. As the demand for systems thinking grows, however, the fragmentation of the field into different methodologies has become a potential liability. Critical systems thinking (CST) shows how this diversity can be a strength rather than a weakness by revealing how different systems methodologies address various aspects of complexity and how they can be used in combination to resolve the messiest of wicked problems. Critical Systems Thinking offers, in a single volume, an account of the value of systems thinking and CST in the modern world, an explanation of the pragmatic philosophy and expansion in mindset necessary to embrace CST, and detailed instructions on how to undertake critical systems practice (CSP) using the variety of systems approaches to navigate multi-dimensional complexity. Readers will find: * An accessible introduction to systems thinking and CST. * A description and critique of the best-known systems methodologies. * A guide to the mindset changes, the steps required, and the toolkit necessary to undertake successful CSP. * Case studies and examples of CSP. * A discussion of the nature of systemic leadership. Critical Systems Thinking is ideal for leaders and managers in government, business, the public sector, the professions, and beyond who want to understand the potential of systems thinking and use it in their work. It is essential for systems researchers and practitioners who want a deeper understanding of the field.

Contents:

Cover

Title Page

Copyright Page

Dedication

Contents

Preface

Acronyms

Introduction

Reference

Part 1 The Emergence of Critical Systems Thinking

Chapter 1 The Scientific Method

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Early Systems Thinking

1.3 The Ascendancy of the Scientific Method

1.4 Romanticism and Disquiet

1.5 The Challenge of Complexity

1.6 Science and the Scientific Method in the Spotlight

1.7 Conclusion

References

Chapter 2 Systems Thinking

2.1 Introduction

2.2 The Challenge Confronting Systems Thinking

2.3 Complexity and Wicked Problems

2.4 The Search for General Systems Laws

2.4.1 Bogdanov and Tektology

2.4.2 Von Bertalanffy and General Systems Theory

2.4.3 Wiener and Cybernetics

2.4.4 Complexity Theory

2.5 The 'Problem' of Emergence

2.6 A Pluralistic Approach to the Use of Systems Thinking

2.7 The Development of Systems Methodologies

2.8 Conclusion

Chapter 3 Critical Systems Thinking

3.1 Introduction

3.2 The Origins and Early Development of Critical Systems Thinking

3.3 Systemic Critique

3.4 Systemic Pluralism

3.5 Systemic Improvement

3.6 The Argument for Systemic Pragmatism

3.6.1 From Paradigms to Pragmatism

3.6.2 What Is Pragmatism?

3.6.3 Towards Systemic Pragmatism

3.7 Conclusion

Part 2 Critical Systems Practice

Chapter 4 Critical Systems Practice: An Overview

4.1 Introduction

4.2 The Origins of Critical Systems Practice

4.3 Contemporary Critical Systems Practice

4.3.1 Essence

4.3.2 The EPIC Framework

4.3.3 The Four Stages

4.3.3.1 Explore the Situation of Interest

4.3.3.2 Produce an Intervention Strategy

4.3.3.3 Intervene Flexibly

4.3.3.4 Check on Progress

4.4 Considerations on the Nature of Critical Systems Practice

4.5 Related Approaches

4.6 Conclusion.

References

Chapter 5 Critical Systems Practice 1 - Explore the Situation of Interest

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Explore - Preliminaries

5.2.1 Metaphors and World Hypotheses in Philosophy

5.2.2 Paradigms and Metaphors in Organisation Theory

5.2.3 Multiperspectival Approaches in Systems Thinking

5.3 Explore - Process

5.3.1 View the Situation of Interest from Five Systemic Perspectives

5.3.1.1 The Mechanical Systemic Perspective

5.3.1.2 The Interrelationships Systemic Perspective

5.3.1.3 The Organismic Systemic Perspective

5.3.1.4 The Purposeful Systemic Perspective

5.3.1.5 The Societal/Environmental Systemic Perspective

5.3.2 Identify Primary and Secondary Issues

5.4 Explore - Example: The Early Days of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United Kingdom

5.5 Explore - Issues

5.6 Conclusion

Chapter 6 Critical Systems Practice 2 - Produce an Intervention Strategy

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Produce - Preliminaries

6.3 Produce - Process

6.3.1 Appreciate the Variety of Systems Approaches

6.3.2 Choose Appropriate Systems Methodologies

6.3.2.1 Engineering Systems Methodologies

6.3.2.2 System Dynamics

6.3.2.3 Living Systems Methodologies

6.3.2.4 Soft Systems Methodologies

6.3.2.5 Emancipatory Systems Methodologies

6.3.3 Choose Appropriate Systems Models and Methods

6.3.4 Structure, Schedule and Set Objectives for the Intervention

6.4 Produce - Examples

6.5 Produce - Issues

6.6 Conclusion

Chapter 7 Critical Systems Practice 3 - Intervene Flexibly

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Intervene - Preliminaries

7.3 Intervene - Process

7.3.1 Use Systems Methodologies, Models and Methods Flexibly

7.3.2 Stay Alert to the Evolving Situation (Revisit Stage 1)

7.3.3 Stay Flexible About Appropriate Methodologies, Models and Methods (Revisit Stage 2).

7.4 Intervene - Examples

7.5 Intervene - Issues

7.6 Conclusion

Chapter 8 Critical Systems Practice 4 - Check on Progress

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Check - Preliminaries

8.2.1 Systemic Evaluation: The Single Systems Methodology Approach

8.2.2 Systemic Evaluation: The Systems Concepts Approach

8.2.3 Systemic Evaluation: The Critical Systems Thinking Approach

8.3 Check - Process

8.3.1 Evaluate the Improvements Achieved

8.3.2 Reflect on the Learning Gained About the Systems Approaches Used

8.3.3 Discuss and Agree Next Steps

8.4 Check - Examples

8.5 Check - Issues

8.6 Conclusion

Part 3 Towards a Systems Thinking World

Chapter 9 Critical Systems Leadership: Overcoming the Implementation Barriers

9.1 Introduction

9.2 The Growing Interest in Systems Thinking

9.3 Overcoming the Barriers to Implementation

9.3.1 Misconceptions About Systems Thinking

9.3.2 Problems with Systems Thinking

9.3.3 Contextual Factors

9.4 Critical Systems Leadership

9.4.1 Attributes of Critical Systems Leadership

9.4.1.1 Collective Leadership and Collaboration

9.4.1.2 Communication of a Vision and Open Dialogue

9.4.1.3 Co-creation

9.4.1.4 Attention to Managing the Collaboration

9.4.1.5 An Open Approach to Learning

9.4.1.6 An Ethical Orientation

9.4.1.7 Promotion of Appropriate Evaluation

9.4.2 Mindset for Critical Systems Leadership

9.4.3 Methodological Competence for Critical Systems Leadership

9.5 Conclusion

Conclusion

Index

EULA.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9781394203604

1394203608

9781394203581

1394203586