Systems Thinking
ANNA CARLA N. MERTO, DBA
At a glance
■ Systems thinking looks at connected whole rather
than separate parts.
■ Systems thinkers are curious, have open minds,
are good listeners and seek out root causes.
■ A systems thinker tries to expand the range of
options available for solving a problem.
A systems thinking approach means
recognizing that a sum is greater than its parts —
that all the pieces of an organization connect,
interact and play a part in outcomes.
What is Systems Thinking?
Is systems thinking a framework?
A philosophy?
A diagnostic tool?
● Systems thinking is literally a system of thinking
about systems.
● With systems thinking, you solve problems by
investigating factors and outcomes of those
factors on your operation or educational work.
(Michael Marticek, University of Phoenix)
When should I use systems thinking?
● Apply a systems perspective when problems
have many interrelated parts.
Four Criteria to Use Systems Thinking:
● The issue is important.
● The problem is recurring.
● The problem is familiar and has known history.
● People have unsuccessfully tried to solve the
problem.
Key elements of systems thinking:
1. Interconnections
2. Emergence
3. Synthesis
4. Feedback Loops
5. Causality
6. Systems Mapping
(Marticek, UOP)
Characteristics of systems thinkers:
● Are curious
● Find root causes
● Have an open mind
● Are good listeners
What are examples of systems thinking?
● Systems thinking takes into account the
possible ripple effects of an idea before a
decision is made.
What is systems thinking in an organization?
A systems thinking approach can be applied to business situations such
as:
■ The complexities of managing airline fleet maintenance and setting
schedules, and staffing for on-time arrivals.
■ The difficulties a marketing department may have in getting projects
out the door — as finance, legal, creative and business realities collide.
■ The implementation of a new software that addresses customer
service issues but may trigger business inefficiencies or require large
expenses.
How can I practice systems thinking?
Curiosity — rather than criticism — can be a great
starting point.
● Find the interrelated connections.
● See what outcomes emerge.
● Consider how you might be able to synthesize two or more things to make a
new thing.
● Connect feedback between different parts of the system.
● Examine how one thing influences another thing.
● Make your plan, keeping in mind the possible ripple effects and
consequences of your decision.
End of Presentation