Strategic Thinking Illustrated: Strategy Made Visual Using Systems Thinking

This book is about the behavior of systems, which are complex for two main reasons: they are hard to anticipate and the entities within them can be connected together in complex ways. Systems thinking is the disciplined study of systems, and causal loop diagrams are a helpful way to represent the connectedness of the entities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 334 pages
Publication date: 14 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the intricate behavior of systems, recognizing their immense significance in our daily lives. We interact with systems on a regular basis, and their influence extends to our actions and decisions. For instance, the performance measurement system within an organization wields a powerful impact on the behavior of its individuals, often shaping their actions significantly. Furthermore, managers often play a role in designing these systems, aiming to foster positive behaviors rather than encouraging dysfunctional behaviors. Anticipating the practical implications of a performance measurement system is crucial in the design process, as it ensures that the measures in place drive the desired outcomes.

While some systems are localized, such as the performance measurement system within an organization, others are more distant but no less real, including the healthcare system, education system, legal system, and climate system. These systems span various scales, from local to global, highlighting their complexity. Systems are complex for two primary reasons. Firstly, predicting their behavior over time can be challenging, as it requires a keen understanding of the underlying factors and dynamics. Anticipating the future is a fundamental objective of management, and understanding how systems behave is essential in achieving this goal. Secondly, the entities within a system are interconnected in intricate ways, creating a ripple effect of interventions. A change in one entity can have unintended consequences in other parts of the system, sometimes occurring long after the initial action. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as "unintended consequences," but it stems from a lack of understanding of the system's behavior.

To better grasp the behavior of systems, it is important to examine their components and interactions. Systems are composed of multiple elements, such as people, processes, technology, and environment, which interact and influence each other. By understanding these interactions, we can gain insights into how systems behave and develop strategies to manage and optimize them. For example, in the healthcare system, understanding the patient-provider relationship, the flow of information, and the impact of policies and regulations can help healthcare professionals deliver high-quality care and improve patient outcomes. Similarly, in the education system, understanding the learning processes, the role of teachers.

Dimension: 280 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032302348