Understanding Systems Thinking: An Agenda for Applied Research in Industry

Authors

  • Pamela Buckle Henning Adelphi University
  • Jacqui Wilmhurst
  • Mike Yearworth University of Bristol

Keywords:

systems thinking, systems methodology, cognitive styles, worldview, ethics

Abstract

Why systems thinking is valuable is relatively easy to explain.  However, in the authors’ work as university educators, teaching a student processes of enquiry that are themselves systemic is a difficult undertaking.  The capacity to view the world in systemic ways seems an innate characteristic that some individuals possess.  Might it be the case that being a systems thinker is dependent on holding a particular worldview?  Systems theorists have evolved tools and methodologies to help people do systems thinking.  Is being a user of systems methods the same as being a systems thinker? Are certain cognitive competencies, styles, or preferences required for people to make effective use of such tools and methodologies?

Published

2012-11-05

How to Cite

Buckle Henning, P., Wilmhurst, J., & Yearworth, M. (2012). Understanding Systems Thinking: An Agenda for Applied Research in Industry. Proceedings of the 56th Annual Meeting of the ISSS - 2012, San Jose, CA, USA. Retrieved from https://journals.isss.org/index.php/proceedings56th/article/view/1909

Issue

Section

Systems Applications in Business and Industry