About Systems Thinking World

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A historical perspective on how Systems Thinking World came into being and what we're up to at the moment.

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The question has been asked about my intent with SystemsWiki and it's a valid question that warrants an answer. An answer that should be in the next revision of the video.

The video indicates that my journey in the realm of systems began with Stafford Beer though over time I then migrated to the discipline of System Dynamics believing that Systems Thinking was simply a not very grown up version of System Dynamics. That beginning is strongly represented in the existing content as the majority of the articles are systemic perspectives of various situations represented as causal loop diagrams or stock & flow simulation models.

Along the way I was continually confused as to why there were so many methods, models, and methodologies that claimed to be Systems Thinking or simply to embrace the Systems Thinking worldview. In time I began to understand that all the various methods arose in an attempt to address situations in varying contexts that simply were not well addressed by existing approaches. When I finally studied the works of Michael C. Jackson, Systems Thinking: Creative Holism for Managers, the framework provide an order to things I think I had been seeking for a long time. Not that the framework is perfect though it's personally the most meaningful order of things I've found to date.

In November 2009 I started Systems Thinking World and SystemsWiki with the following statement of intent.

We believe a Systemic Perspective provides the best foundation for creating effective approaches for dealing with challenges and shaping a better tomorrow. Our purpose is to create content which furthers understanding of the value of a systemic perspective and enables thinking and acting systemically.

So while the current content of SystemsWiki is more System Dynamics and Systems Thinking of a System Dynamics flavor the intent is in time to address all the methods, models and methodologies presented by Jackson, and probably a few he did not present. Though the intent is not simply to cover these methods, models and methodologies as independent learning. The intent is to integrate the relevant aspects of each method, model or methodology into a single coherent approach presented as a defined repeatable process for developing a Systemic Strategy. I am rather pleased with the progress over the past two years and I figure I have about 20 years left to work on this.

Gene Bellinger
April 2012

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Plain English means analyzing and deciding what information investors need to make informed decisions, before words, sentences, or paragraphs are considered. A plain English document uses words economically and at a level the audience can understand. Its sentence structure is tight. Its tone is welcoming and direct. Its design is visually appealing. A plain English document is easy to read and looks like it’s meant to be read.
Additional Resources
Systems Thinking World Discussions
Systems Thinking World Q&A * Gene Bellinger

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