Application of Systems Principles
摘要
Chapters 1 to 6 give us a good start to learning the systems thinking philosophy that is based on the generic systems principles. These are always helpful when they guide our understanding of complex real-world problems and the systems that influence them. However, as we stated earlier, systems thinking is not just about learning fashionable new terminology or appearing to be doing the right thing: it is all about the right ways of balanced thinking and doing. So, we disapprove of young fresh talent learning to talk but not to walk! Section 5.1 already listed many common ways of thinking and behaving to avoid. But this is not enough because the question remains: how do we think, act, and behave? The purpose of this chapter is to give guidance that is applicable regardless of application or domain. Section 7.2 gives ways of the systems thinker (or SWs for short). The SWs are the starting point for how to apply the SPs. The SWs are rooted in the SPs. They guide our behaviors, decisions, and actions as we try to understand real-world problems or the systems that may influence them, regardless of the exact question, domain, or application. This chapter also introduces some essential tools to kickstart the application of systems thinking.