Introduction
Chapter
2
Systems thinking and behaviour
In Chapter 1, we discussed the benefits of conducting rapid evidence reviews in unpacking the problem and discovering what others around the world have done to address it. In Chapter 2, we take take a big picture view of the problem and how it occurs within a system.
Behaviour change via systems change
As a society, we are dealing with increasingly complex problems and working in environments where there are many competing agendas. To build a shared understanding of the problem and uncover insights on the changes that organisations can make - and those which may be out of their control - we use systems, process, actor and influence mapping to identify the individuals, groups and organisations involved in the problem - and who may be part of the solution.
Further resources
Influences, further reading and blog posts related to this chapter.
Concepts and methods for conducting research on complex problems
The ANU's Centre for Integration and Implementation Sciences provides a dynamically-updated list of resources related to systems thinking including journals, videos and opinion pieces on various aspects and ideas.
Games, Hacking, and the 21st Century Skill of Systems Thinking
Many of the best ideas about systems thinking come from gaming. In this piece, systems thinking is described as a series of interconnections- moreover a “habit of mind” that empowers teams and workforces.
Introducing the ATO’s systems-led design guide
Well when it comes to scale and complexity, it doesn’t get much bigger than the Australian Taxation Office. It represents a vast and complicated network of businesses, data, money and people and its reach extends to everyone. That's why the ATO has adopted a systems-led approach, producing a tailored guide to help others design and embed change.
The Systems Thinker
The Systems Thinker works to catalyse effective change by expanding the use of systems approaches. The Thinker curates and makes a wide range of resources and articles on the application of systems thinking to complex problems.
To understand the era, you need to think in systems
A podcast conversation between NY Times columnist Ezra Klein and techno-sociologist Zeynep Tufekci who predicted Covid-19 and thinks the solutions is a systems one.
What 'systems thinking' actually means - and why it matters for innovation today
From the WTO a great perspective on how systems thinking can be used to address global problems.
How systems thinking complements behavioural approaches in solving complex problems
Waste collaboration
Book references
Donella H. Meadows’ Thinking in Systems. More resources from Donella here.
David Peter Stroh, Systems Thinking for Social Change: A Practical Guide to Solving Complex Problems, Avoiding Unintended Consequences, and Achieving Lasting Results
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Research
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