What is Systems Thinking?

Introductory Paragraph(s) Systems engineering-related competency models published generally agree that systems thinking, taking a holistic view of the system that includes the full life cycle, and specific knowledge of system engineering methods both technical and managerial are required to be a fully capable systems engineer. Many attribute the notion of systems thinking to the work of Aristotle in examining multiple discipline related aspects in what is termed metaphysics. In modern times, the field of systems thinking has been evolving since the 1920’s when the Austrian biologist von Bertalanffy introduced the idea of using biological analogies to systems in general. He captured his ideas and the concepts of systems thinking in "General system theory: Foundations, development, applications" (von Bertalanffy 1968). There is a strong relationship between systems thinking and other fields such as system science as well as operations research and decision analysis.

Definitions of Systems Thinking

The definition of systems thinking has evolved as systems theory has evolved. Initially, system theory dealt with mechanical systems and systems thinking dealt primarily with interrelationships between parts with deterministic behavior. Then with Norbert Weiner's Cybernetics and open systems, the parts of the system became living parts with ‘purpose’, and self-organization was added to the systems thinking repertoire. (Peter Senge 1990, p. 6-7) defines systems thinking in his seminal work on learning organizations: “Systems thinking is a process of discovery and diagnosis – an inquiry into the governing processes underlying the problems we face and the opportunities we have.” Senge further describes systems thinking as:

A discipline for seeing wholes
A framework for seeing interrelationships, for seeing patterns of change rather than static snapshots
A set of general principles distilled over the course of the twentieth century, spanning fields as diverse as physical and social sciences, engineering and management
A specific set of tools and techniques

According to Senge and his colleagues (Senge 1994), a good systems thinker, particularly in an organizational setting, is someone who can see four levels operating simultaneously: events, patterns of behavior, systems, and mental models. More recent chaos and complexity theories have also impacted the development of systems thinking, including the treatment of such concepts as emergence. According to Gharajedaghi: Systems thinking is the art of simplifying complexity. It is about seeing through chaos, managing interdependency, and understanding choice. We see the world as increasingly more complex and chaotic because we use inadequate concepts to explain it. When we understand something, we no longer see it as chaotic or complex. (Gharajedaghi 1999, p. 283) The definition of systems thinking has evolved over time as advances have been made in systems theory. Some additional examples of systems thinking definitions are as follows:

“Systems thinking requires the consciousness of the fact that we deal with models of our reality and not with the reality itself.” (Ossimitz 1997, p. 1)
“…what is often called “systemic thinking” …is …a bundle of capabilities, and at the heart of it is the ability to apply our normal thought processes, our common sense, to the circumstances of a given situation.” (Dörner 1996, p. 199);
“Systems thinking provides a powerful way of taking account of causal connections that are distant in time and space.” (Stacey 2000, p. 9)

A broader perspective considers systems thinking to be one element in a wider system of holistic thinking. Kasser defines holistic thinking as follows: Holistic thinking is defined as the combination of analysis [in the form of elaboration], systems thinking and critical thinking. (Kasser 2010) For several years, Gene Bellinger has provided insight into the field of Systems Thinking via his popular web-site www.systems-thinking.org. He initiated a Linked discussion group entitled Systems Thinking World and the wiki site www.systemswiki.org. He makes the following highly relevant observation concerning the field of Systems Thinking and the benefits:

"As I have continued to ponder the meaning of Systems Thinking over the years in conjunction with reading and many conversations it would seem that the understanding has evolved, thankfully. There was a time when I thought Systems Thinking was just a not very grown up version of System Dynamics though I have come to understand it is really far more encompassing. While the meaning continues to evolve my foundational belief remains solid. Systems Thinking will enable you to better understand the world around you and enable you to have more control over your life than any other subject you may undertake to study. For situations that concern you Systems Thinking will enable you to create approaches for dealing with these situations that are highly likely to produce the desired results while minimizing unexpected consequences."

References

Citations

Dorner, H., and A. Karpati. 2008. Mentored innovation in teacher training using two virtual collaborative learning environments. In Beyond knowledge: The legacy of competence--meaningful computer-based learning environments., eds. J. Zumbach, N. Schwartz, T. Seufert and L. Kester. Vol. VIII. New York, NY: Springer.

Gharajedaghi, J. 1999. Systems thinking: Managing chaos and complexity: A platform for designing. 1st ed. Woburn, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann.

Kasser, J. 2010. Holistic thinking and how it can produce innovative solutions to difficult problems. Paper presented at 7th Bi-annual European Systems Engineering Conference (EuSEC), 24-27 May 2010, Stockholm, Sweden.

Ossimitz, G. The development of systems thinking skills using system dynamics modeling tools. in Universitat Klagenfurt [database online]. Klagenfurt, Austria, 1997 [cited November 12 2007]. Available from http://wwwu.uni-klu.ac.at/gossimit/sdyn/gdm_eng.htm.

Senge, P. M. 1990. The fifth discipline: The art & practice of the learning organization.

Senge, P. M., A. Klieiner, C. Roberts, R. B. Ross, and B. J. Smith. 1994. The Fifth Discipline Fieldbook: Strategies and tools for building a learning organization. New York, NY: Crown Business.

Stacey, R. D., D. Griffin, and P. Shaw. 2000. Complexity and management: Fad or radical challenge to systems thinking?. London, U.K.: Routledge.

von Bertalanffy, L. 1968. General system theory: Foundations, development, applications. Revised ed. New York, NY: Braziller.

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