Title: Using systems concepts to critique

Authors: Mike Metcalfe

Addresses: University of South Australia, Adelaide 5001, Australia

Abstract: Constructive critique is to view some scenario from a particular stance. Systems thinking gives preference to a particular set of inter-related stances which it argues provide useful insight. These are transformation, connections, purpose, analysis vs. synthesis and boundary. It would therefore seem logical to integrate critique and systems thinking to suggest that systems critique is the core competency of a systems thinker. This paper argues that it is useful to think of systems thinking as being a particular critique stance. To demonstrate what is meant by systems critique and to show how it provides insight, numerous scenarios are provided and critiqued.

Keywords: systems thinking; constructive critique; transformation; connectivity; purpose; synthesis; boundary; systems critique.

DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2007.015584

International Journal of Applied Systemic Studies, 2007 Vol.1 No.2, pp.117 - 130

Published online: 01 Nov 2007 *

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