Critical Systems Thinking and the Management of Complexity

by Michael C. Jackson

From the winner of the INCOSE Pioneer Award 2022

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.

The INCOSE Pioneer Award is presented to someone who, by their achievements in the engineering of systems, has contributed uniquely to major products or outcomes enhancing society or meeting its needs. The criteria may apply to a single outstanding outcome or a lifetime of significant achievements in effecting successful systems. Comments on a previous version of the Russ ‘the book is the best overview of the field I have seen’ JP van ‘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

736 pages, Hardcover

Published April 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

[Christine Witherington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book exceeded my expectations. It’s rare to find an academic work that’s both intellectually rigorous and genuinely enjoyable to read. The explanations are clear, the structure is excellent, and the insights are immediately useful. A fantastic resource for professionals and students alike.

[felix Bright · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve ever struggled with messy problems that don’t have simple solutions, this book is exactly what you need. It helped me understand why some traditional approaches fall short and how systems thinking can bring much-needed clarity. One of the best professional books I’ve purchased this year.