Methodological Flexibility in Systems Thinking: Musings from the Standpoint of a Systems Consultant

Abstract

Systems thinking is armored with a range of methodologies to aid practitioners work in complex situations. However, systems methodologies are often associated with a niche research group in operations research, management science and systems engineering (OR/MS/SE) thereby making their popularity and acceptance in general management and engineering challenging. In such a situation, methodological flexibility can offer greater liberty to a practitioner to use systems methodologies in a more flexible and creative manner without having to be bound by the rigor of the methodology itself. This paper presents a discussion on methodological flexibility in systems thinking highlighting two consultancy case studies. An orientation to the development of systems thinking in OR/MS/SE is provided leading to the presentation of Holistic Flexibility, a recently developed conceptual lens in systems thinking that calls for a more egalitarian and democratic stance for the discipline. The case-studies presented are analyzed in light of Holistic Flexibility to articulate the benefits and practitioner limitations of methodological flexibility. Recommendations to address the limitations are provided. This paper has two main contributions: First, it presents the proposition that methodological flexibility can also mean that systems methodologies can influence the design and deployment of interventions in management consultancy, without directly deploying such methodologies. Second, the practitioner experience, drawing from the journey of the projects presented in the case-studies, will substantiate recent arguments that call for systems thinking to be a cognitive discipline without having to be methodologically bounded.

Holistic Flexibility for Deploying Systems Thinking as a Cognitive Skill

“…Drawing from various traditions, Cabrera et al (2021) say that ST is informed by studies of cognitive systems, especially metacognition, neuroscience, psychology, development, etc. Several other scholars have posited similar arguments to regard ST as a cognitive skill (Chowdhury 2019a(Chowdhury , 2022aEvagorou et al 2009;Hmelo et al 2000;Somme 2005;Tang 2020;Verhoeff 2003;Verhoeff et al 2018). Going by this line of argument, Levy and Wilensky (2008) and Eilam and Reisfeld (2017) talk about "higher-order systems thinking", where ST is not to be learned step-by-step as a methodology, but rather to be regarded as a way of perceiving and appreciating complex systemic characteristics.…”

“…Research presented a first-person narrative of the application of systems methodologies creatively and flexibly within an overarching management consultancy framework that is not commonly identified within the gamut of systems methodologies. In the same research, Chowdhury (2022a) talks about drawing inspiration from systems methodologies without directly deploying such methodologies. The case-studies were posited to substantiate recent arguments that call for ST to be considered as a cognitive skill without having to be methodologically bounded.…”

“…However, use cases of ST as a cognitive skill that can be applied without traditional systems frameworks and methodologies are rare. A recent paper by Chowdhury (2022a)…”

Creative and flexible deployment of systems methodologies for child rights and child protection through Holistic Flexibility

“…This can be treated as an example of how systems methods, ‘if used correctly, will deliver a desired outcome’ (Jackson, 2020; p. 20). Other studies (Chowdhury, 2019c, 2019d, 2021, 2022b, 2023; Jackson, 2000, 2019, 2020; Midgley, 1989; Mingers, 2000; Mingers & Brocklesby, 1997; Pollack, 2009; Reynolds, 2014; Sushil, 1994, 1997) have also noted the benefit of flexible and creative use of systems methodologies in complex settings. This corroborates the pragmatic view that deployment of systems methodologies needs to be led by the end to justify the means (Ormerod, 2014; Taket & White, 1996, 2000).…”

“…This paper will explore a development in systems thinking known as Holistic Flexibility (Chowdhury, 2019a, 2021, 2022a, 2022b). A case‐study informed by Holistic Flexibility with the Universal Team for Social Action and Health (UTSAH), a child protection non‐governmental organization (NGO) based in India, will be discussed.…”