Systems thinking

http://coevolving.com/maps/fed/systems-thinking-is-a-perspective.svg

Systems thinking is a perspective on parts, wholes, and their relations . The relations may be part-part, part-whole, or even whole-whole.

  • Function (for a non-living part) and role (for a living part) is a contribution of the part to the whole.
  • Structure is an arrangement of parts in space.
  • Process is an arrangement of parts in time.

In authentic systems thinking, synthesis precedes analysis. Russell Ackoff writes:

In the systems approach there are ... three steps:
1. Identity a containing whole (system) of which the thing to to be explained is a part.
2. Explain the behavior or properties of the containing whole.
3. Then explain the behavior or properties of the thing to be explained in terms of its role(s) or function(s) within its containing whole. [p. 16]
Note that in this sequence, synthesis precedes analysis. In analytical thinking the thing to be explained is treated as a whole to be taken apart. In synthetic thinking the thing to be explained is treated as part of a containing whole. The former reduces the focus of the investigator; the latter expands it. [pp. 16-17] [Ackoff 1981, pp. 16-17]

In the role of president (2011-2012) for the International Society for the Systems Sciences, An interview on “Service Systems, Natural Systems” and the systems sciences was published in May 2012.

More extensive reflections on systems thinking were presented in Rethinking Systems Thinking: Learning and Coevolving with the World through 2012.