Systems Thinking for a Turbulent World: A Search for New Perspectives

Systems Thinking for a Turbulent World helps practitioners engage more effectively in transformative innovation to address the paradigm shift needed to meet global challenges. It reintroduces the human element into understanding and strengthens truth-seeking in decision-making, enabling a switch from reaction to anticipation. It also introduces concepts such as anticipatory present moment (APM) and participative repatterning, aided by new methods of visual facilitation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 142 pages
Publication date: 20 November 2019
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In a world that is constantly evolving and facing unprecedented challenges, systems thinking has emerged as a powerful tool for practitioners seeking to engage in transformative innovation. This approach addresses the urgent need for a paradigm shift to confront the diverse global challenges we face today, often referred to as the Anthropocene. The fragmentation of local and global societies is on the rise, perpetuating vicious cycles that require urgent attention. To heal these rifts, we must reintroduce the human element into our understanding, whether in civic or scientific contexts, and prioritize truth-seeking in decision-making. By employing appropriate concepts and methods, we can shift from a reactive mindset to one of anticipation, even in the face of discontinuous change and high uncertainty.

The ultimate goal is to prioritize positive human skills for collaborative navigation through uncertainty, rather than relying on disjointed rationality of mechanism and artificial intelligence, which often alienates us.

For those readers seeking new ways of thinking, this book introduces concepts that integrate systems thinking and futures thinking. The concept of anticipatory present moment (APM) serves as a foundation for developing the cognitive skills necessary for navigating turbulent times. Participative repatterning, a key personal and team practice, is the basis for transformative innovation, and new methods of visual facilitation are employed to support this practice.

The narrative of the book is structured around the metaphor of search, inspired by the tradition of ox herding found in traditional Far Eastern consciousness practice. This metaphor serves as a guiding thread, helping the reader understand the unfolding ideas and practices in a relatable and meaningful way.

By embracing systems thinking and applying its principles, practitioners can become more effective in addressing the complex challenges of our time and creating a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Weight: 248g
Dimension: 233 x 160 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138598676