The practice of participation has gained prominence in several disciplines recently. The present study discusses how participation meets system dynamics, a particular modelling method, which looks at complex systems from an endogenous viewpoint. System dynamics has always oriented itself towards practical problems and engaged with clients actively. This tradition is represented in contemporary participatory methods. We can underpin the involvement of stakeholders in a number of ways: with normative arguments (participation is a democratic right), substantive (involvement produces better knowledge), instrumental (participation improves the chance of success), and transformative ones (improvement of social capital). We discuss three schools of participatory system dynamics. First, group model building, a professional and practical method. Next, participatory system dynamics modelling, which is rooted in public policy decisions and aims to involve stakeholders actively. Finally, community‐based system dynamics aims for the empowerment of communities, with long‐term deep commitment on the part of the researcher.

The complexity of sustainability issues prompts both science and policy‐making to broaden their methodologies in finding solutions to problems of environmental, social and economic sustainability. In the realms of post‐normal science, quests to find adequate answers to everyday challenges happen in an issue‐driven, policy‐oriented manner where the issue of involving the widest possible range of stakeholders is of utmost importance. Participatory systems mapping is a new type of participatory technique, which has emerged in the last few years. In such a process, participants jointly devise diagrams on a topical issue and develop policy recommendations. The paper discusses an experiment applying this method concerning the issue of sustainable consumption. The authors point out that systems mapping has many significant features that can enrich participatory methodologies. However, the participatory potential of systems mapping might be limited because it can be demanding for groups with lower levels of knowledge capital. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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