Critical Systems Thinking and the Management of Complexity

by Michael C. Jackson

The world has become increasingly networked and unpredictable. Decision makers at all levels are required to manage the consequences of complexity every day. They must deal with problems that arise unexpectedly, generate uncertainty, are characterised by interconnectivity, and spread across traditional boundaries. Simple solutions to complex problems are usually inadequate and risk exacerbating the original issues.

Leaders of international bodies such as the UN, OECD, UNESCO and WHO -- and of major business, public sector, charitable, and professional organizations -- have all declared that systems thinking is an essential leadership skill for managing the complexity of the economic, social and environmental issues that confront decision makers. Systems thinking must be implemented more generally, and on a wider scale, to address these issues.

An evaluation of different systems methodologies suggests that they concentrate on different aspects of complexity. To be in the best position to deal with complexity, decision makers must understand the strengths and weaknesses of the various approaches and learn how to employ them in combination. This is called critical systems thinking. Making use of over 25 case studies, the book offers an account of the development of systems thinking and of major efforts to apply the approach in real-world interventions. Further, it encourages the widespread use of critical systems practice as a means of ensuring responsible leadership in a complex world.

Comments on a previous version of the book:

Russ Ackoff: 'the book is the best overview of the field I have seen'

JP van Gigch: 'Jackson does a masterful job. The book is lucid ...well written and eminently readable'

Professional Manager (Journal of the Chartered Management Institute): 'Provides an excellent guide and introduction to systems thinking for students of management'

Genres: Business, Management, Nonfiction

728 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2019

Reviews

[Jurgen Appelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most comprehensive and enlightening overview of systems methods and theories that I ever found.

[Matthijs Thoolen · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a long time, I was very confused about the state of systems thinking. There are many, many books that claim to be _the_ systems thinking book, and often without references. This book is a great overview of the state of the different kinds of systems thinking, its history and its paradigms.

[Maya]

lol this is the closest thing i could get to the custom textbook created by my prof for civeng 290: critical systems of development - GREAT class

i may be tricking the system but it makes me sad it doesn't count cuz its not technically a book..

xD