Complex system governance requires systems thinking - how to find systems thinkers

Abstract

Systems thinking offers a particularly useful worldview for dealing with increasing complexities faced by individuals. This paper explores the nature, assessment, and implications that systems thinking holds for individuals challenged by the shifting landscape of modern complex system governance. Following an introduction that identifies the main attributes of complex systems faced by individuals who engage in governance activities, three major themes are developed: 1) exploration of the concept of systems thinking; 2) suggestion of how enhanced systems thinking can increase the capability of individuals to more effectively design for system governance; 3) a strategic framework and initial findings for application of an instrument for assessment of the level of systems thinking for an individual. Systems thinking is suggested as a critical capability for individuals who must design, analyse, and transform complex system governance and address its derivative problems. Effectiveness in systems thinking is a critical skill for addressing some of the most vexing problems of the 21st century. This paper summarises the findings of a systems thinking instrument developed to identify the systems skills individuals need to engage complex system governance. The paper concludes with future research and application of the systems thinking instrument to better understand complex system governance.Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Jaradat, R.M. (2015) 'Complex system governance requires systems thinking -how to find systems thinkers', Int.

The Relationship between Personality Types and the Cognitive - Metacognitive Strategies

“…A wide range of personal characteristics could affect the solutions devised and the decisions we make throughout the test (Jaradat, 2015;Jaradat et al, 2017a). Although there are several personal characteristics that could potentially affect test performance, the focus of this study is on personality types and language use strategies (i.e., test taking strategies).…”

The Complementary Perspective of System of Systems in Collaboration, Integration, and Logistics: A Value-Chain Based Paradigm of Supply Chain Management

“…Second, in SoS the focus expands beyond the purely technical aspects of the problem domain. This expansion includes the socio-technical aspects of the problem where organizational/managerial, human/social, and political/policy dimensions are critical in understanding and addressing issues in the problem domain [18][19][20]. Third, the SoS focus and perspective can serve to improve the design and management of a complex set of interrelated systems (e.g., a set of interrelated supply chain systems), where the performance of the whole is dependent not just on individual systems, but rather on the integrated set and their interactions.…”

“…The object of this section is to present the main SoS attributes, and to explore the level of convergence with existing principles and concepts for SCM. These attributes are based on extensive research, which was conducted to derive the most prevalent attributes characteristic of SoS [20,21]. Over a thousand different resources were reviewed, analyzed, and coded using inductive research reasoning and the Grounded Theory Coding approach as articulated by Strauss and Corbin [22].…”

How to Find Systems Thinkers

“…2 A qualitative method using grounded theory coding, an inductive research design, was used to derive a set of systems thinking characteristics. Nvivo, software specialized for grounded theory coding, was used to navigate and manage the large amount of qualitative data produced.…”

“…In effect, there is a need for qualified individuals-educators, engineers, leaders, and others-who can use systems thinking to effectively address complex system problems in different domains as well as who can "take a systemic persepective". 2 Holding a systemic worldview enables a higher level of thinking and leads to a dynamic decision-making process appropriate for the complex system problem domain. As Haines suggested, "systems thinking is a way of thinking whereby we see the entity or unit first as whole, within its fit and relationship to its environment as primary concerns; the parts secondary".…”