The use of natural systems for designing human organizations contributes to a road of life-long systems thinking. Systems apply to just about everything is the world today. In the text, “Systems thinking basics,” a system is composed of various components and characteristics (Anderson & Johnson, 1997).
The purpose of this paper focuses on the two books, systems thinking basics and the systems view of the world. Further, the sole purpose relies on viewing the function and understanding the effects of systems relevant in today’s society.
Discussion
Purpose of a system
System. Within a system, various entities exist in the world in which we live. A system focuses on the world that surrounds us and it can be further broken down to explain the theory behind the system. The word systems’ thinking is explained as a branch of a system. According to Anderson and Johnson, the definition of a system, pertains to the mind and human intelligence (1997). This definition does not include the outside world in which we live in. However, Ervin Laszlo (1996) contributes a slightly different opinion for the systems theory.
Characteristics. Lazslo (1996), states that systems stretch further than our minds. Systems exist in the real world and are based on how we see ourselves within the world. Among the basic systems thinking are certain characteristics concerning its natural attributes. According to Laszlo, systems have organizing abilities and specific characteristics. Systems have the ability to take on various shapes and forms within an organization (Laszlo, 1996). Other traits that play a role to systems include events, patterns and structures. Some of the forms included in systems are real world, political, biological, astronomical, and ecological. Several essential characteristics exist in a system. The following are listed below:
1. A systems parts must all be present for the system to carry out its purpose.
2. A systems parts must be arranged in a specific way for a system to carry out its purpose.
3. Systems have specific purposes within larger systems.
4. Systems maintain their stability through fluctuations and adjustments.
5. Systems have feed back (Anderson & Johnson, 1997).
Systems will not properly function when a part is missing or out of balance. Therefore making it useless and serving of no real purpose. Anderson and Johnson, (1997) compares the components of a system to that of the circulatory system of a human. For instance, the body will shut down or become sick will not functioning correctly. This is the body’s way of providing feedback when something is not properly functioning.
Feedback. Feedback provides a vital purpose to the system, through constructive observation and cues (Anderson & Johnson, 1997). It further provides an avenue to fix or change behavior by using feedback. Feedback allows systems to gain a vast idea of knowledge on how to improve systems through updates about the subject involved.
Views of a system.
Atomistic. According to Laszlo (1996), two analyses in the world today, include the atomistic and systems view. The atomistic view differs from the systems view due to details and actions, whereas the systems view places a large emphasis on the magnitude of structure and complex frames. Another part of systems reflects on the humans as natural systems. Humans can be defined as natural systems because of their attributes and the classes that exist, such as living things, human beings, members of a society, culture, individuals and personal classification. Although this may appear to classify all within our world, it does not portray everything in society. Not everything is a natural system. The systems view does not recognize sole classes into which various natural entities (Laszlo, 1996). Systems’ thinking provides value for considering human issues and problems through the big pictures. It provides a looking glass for the person that appears to have problems. In return, systems’ thinking allows issues on morale, working relationships and teamwork concerns.
Other classifications of natural systems may include biological, social and physical challenges. In addition, Laszlo (1996) mentioned four propositions about the natural systems such as, natural systems are wholes with irreducible properties, maintain themselves in a changing environment, create themselves in response to self-creativity in other systems, and coordinate interfaces in nature’s holarchy. Human systems and thinking places another attitude faced by nature and religion. The forms of the systems exist in complex and simple modes.
Types of systems.
Complex systems differ from simple systems based on their ability to self-stabilize (Anderson & Johnson, 1997). The importance of this characteristic focuses on original design and system balances. Complex systems provide a purpose through balance. The third steps like simple systems prove they are capable of using feedback to modify behavior. This is an important step according to Anderson and Johnson (1997) since it “provides a key opportunity for change and growth within the system-especially if the feedback is explicit and accessible” (p. 78). Another key process in differentiating a complex system from a simple system includes the ability to modify their environments. The last characteristic of a complex system involves the capability of replicating, maintaining, repairing, and reorganizing themselves. The last two traits of a complex system are important due to their changing and adaptability qualities.
Strengths and weakness. According to Anderson and Johnson (1996), complex systems face four major problems such as, conflicting goals, centralization vs. decentralization dilemmas, distorted feedback and loss of predictability. Another problem, which exists in complex systems, emphasizes on its subsystems. Since the complex system has many devices, the chance of something malfunctioning is at a greater risk (Anderson & Johnson, 1996). A notable achievement for complex systems includes its systems thinking tools. This action provides clear knowledge and insight into businesses for exploration. Proper application of systems thinking can be vital to any business or individual.
Guidelines of systems thinking.
In general, certain guidelines and procedures exist for establishing a successful application for systems thinking processes (Anderson & Johnson, 1996). These rules will provide a smoother transition for every day activity on the job such as: (1) Do not use systems thinking to further your own agenda. (2) Do use systems thinking to sift out major issues and factors. (3) Don’t use systems thinking to blame individuals. (4) Do use systems thinking to promote inquiry and challenge preconceived ideas. Other methods for getting started with systems thinking include not solving problems immediately. Problems that occur are taken in careful view and consideration to allow room for proper representation. By taking time to resolve the problem and focus will give one a better understanding of the problem. Other issues include starting with smaller-scale problems to prevent exhaustion. Based on personal experience often starting with larger tasks and problems create problems in the end. The next rule of getting started states one should not work with systems thinking techniques under pressure, or in front of a group that is unprepared for or intolerant of the learning process. Without proper understanding of a system, it is impossible to teach to a body of people that are unprepared to learn new ideas.
In addition getting started with systems thinking should provide one with the knowledge to develop diagrams. Diagrams provide a great way to expound on systems thinking, build confidence and apply what has been learned (Anderson & Johnson, 1996). Another way to focus on this issue is to draw causal loop diagrams. Casual loop diagrams should be general with some important information. In addition, when working with casual loop diagrams one should check with others to see if they can add insight, not present as a final product and learn from history. Often history is the best teacher, since it can provide one with knowledge of past mistakes. Moreover, good rules of measure to remember when designing intervention according to Anderson and Johnson (1996) include the following: (1) do get all stakeholders involved in the process. (2) Don’t go for vague, general, or open-ended solutions. (3) Do make an intervention specific, measurable, and verifiable. (4) Do look for potential unintended side effects of an intervention. (5) Don’t be surprised if some situations defy solution, especially if they are chronic problems. (6) Do remember that even for systems thinkers, it is easy to fall back into a linear process.
Within the learning activities section cases critical thinking and knowledge was discovered by application. For instance, the example of budget bugaboos provided me with the ability to formulate a problem and point out the key variables. The key variables focused on in the story were the target budget, budget pressure, cost-cutting measures and costs. These variables could later be graphed to show the behavior over a period. Next, a causal loop diagram was drafted up to represent the interrelationships. All of these techniques are important and provide vital learning in understanding various situations.
Taking a systems view of ourselves.
Life-long. According to Laszlo (1996) the systems view of ourselves presents several key aspects to ones character. For instance Laszlo (1996) states, “the systems view links the human being again with world (s)he lives in, for he or she is seen as emerging in that world and reflecting its general character” (p. 60). Other parts, which affect the systems view of ourselves, include the cosmic regions and finding our place in the universe. Finding our place in the universe correlates deeply with the qualities possessed and acquired during development. The human species vastly differs from that the animal kingdom due to certain characteristics, such as the conscious. Unlike any other animal, human possess the ability to think, speak, feel, hold a conversation and transfer information. Moreover, humans are rational and spiritual beings. Sense these characteristics reflect naturally a role for religion appeals to humanity.
The role of religion is evident in the world today. Religions such as Christianity focus on the divine love of God (Laszlo, 1996). In return, followers of the teaching are to show the same type of love to their neighbors. This process deeply associates with systems view of ourselves, and the importance of how we fit into the world.
It is important to take a systems view of our every day life. In addition, another important aspect of systems thinking includes life-long thinking. Life-long systems thinking can be practiced by “individual practice and applying the basic concepts of systems thinking that one has learned through a book or a workshop” (Anderson & Johnson, 1997). The next step is to pay attention to the question you ask. This simply means to comprehend what has been learned and to look deeper into the problems. Another important factor relies on the notion to sense and notice the systems around you; reflecting on the action, you are participating in does this. Then one should decide on the type of impact it may have, and lastly one must draw a diagram loop daily or weekly. Finding stories to capture the attention and draw one away from their casual loop practices this. Other mentionable learning skills may include, collaborative learning, apprenticeships, mentoring, coaching, book groups and learning communities. These outlets all provide an advent to practice life-long systems thinking.
Conclusion
The concepts applied within the text provide knowledge on how the systems view of the world and thinking respond. By reading the text, one will gain a better understanding on how to interact in the world. The tools taught in these books provide essential information, useful to any corporation. Systems’ thinking applies to almost everything we do, but one can learn how to do it better. Understanding the rules, diagrams and operations will challenge the individual using the method. I found the ideas from the drawing loops of the most importance. These ideas encouraged myself to take time and apply technique. Once the approach has been mastered in technique and style one can continue by life-long thinking and taking a careful reflection of themselves. The ability to apply life-long thinking can lead to an improved lifestyle and performance.
References
Anderson, V. & Johnson, L, (1997). Systems thinking basics: From concepts to casual
Loop. Waltham, MA. Pegasus communications
Laszlo, E. (1996). The systems view of the world: A holistic vision for our time.
Cresskill, NJ. Hampton Press
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