Systems thinking considers the feedback between the components of the system, which work together generating synergies.
Systems thinking is an analysis methodology that considers its objects of study as systems whose components are interrelated. In this way, it takes the different elements as part of a whole , examining the links they establish between themselves and seeking to find patterns of behavior to generate knowledge about the functioning of the whole.
It can be said that systemic thinking is a theoretical framework that provides resources to explore different problems and offer possible solutions. Its precepts are usually applied in different areas, such as business administration, engineering and sports.
Background of systems thinking
The antecedents of systemic thinking as a current are found in schools, branches or specializations of various disciplines. Mention may be made of Gestalt psychology , also known as psychology of form , which maintains that the mind is responsible for configuring what it receives through memory or perception, with which said configuration prevails over the elements themselves.
For Gestalt, the functioning of the mental process cannot be understood with the mere sum of the various elements. That is why he affirms that the whole is more than the sum of the components.
If we focus on biology, the previous instances of systemic thinking can be traced to vitalism . According to this theory, living beings have a vital force that is not governed by physical or chemical laws and that constitutes their essential differentiation compared to inanimate objects. For vitalism, this immaterial force affects organized matter and makes life possible.
In the case of philosophy, the doctrine of hylozoism provides principles that are associated with systemic thinking. This school expresses that matter has a faculty of action that is characteristic of animals.
Systemic thinking represented a paradigm shift that allowed new intervention strategies for conflict resolution.
The first steps
The first steps of systems thinking date back to the late 1930s . In 1937 , the Austrian philosopher and biologist Ludwig von Bertalanffy postulated his general systems theory , where he defined systems as entities with components that have interdependence and are interrelated.
The Prussian Kurt Goldstein in psychiatry, the American Walter Cannon in physiology and the American Talcott Parsons in sociology contributed to the development of systems thinking, each in their area.
It was the French philosopher Edgar Morin who alluded to the passage from systemic thinking to complex thinking as a vehicle for the resolution of philosophical challenges in particular and scientific challenges in general.
Pillars of systems thinking
Systems thinking is based on several pillars. On the one hand, it states that reality is formed from a network of relationships , constituting itself as a system .
This system has elementary properties that come from the whole and that the parts cannot possess by themselves. The patterns that are detected in the network of relationships , on the other hand, emerge as a part of this system.
System analysis , likewise, has to be carried out at different levels. This allows us to obtain a global view .
Systems thinking considers four essential principles in systems. The principle of position is based on the existence of hierarchical structures within each system, which can also be seen in suprasystems (systems of systems).
The principle of limitation refers to the fact that systems encounter limits set by controls that regulate their measurement, duration and other variables, while the principle of relationship is linked to the fact that the link between the components of the system (or between the systems of a suprasystem) produces forces of rejection or attraction. The principle of equifinality , finally, indicates that systems tend towards a specific objective.
Systems thinking is often associated with the application of a transdisciplinary approach to carry out a contextual analysis of the object of study.
Its usefulness
The usefulness of systems thinking lies in enabling the acquisition of a broad vision about the system. Thanks to its methodology, an understanding of the interrelationships between the parts can be achieved and even projections about behavior can be made.
By knowing how a system works and eventually recognizing subsystems, systems thinking helps create models that can be leveraged to solve problems. In this framework, indicators emerge that are used to generate conclusions.
It should be noted that systemic thinking is located in holism , an epistemological and methodological approach that affirms that systems always have to be studied as a whole and not only by observing their components. This position contributes to having a dynamic and complex perspective of reality, favoring access to innovative solutions.
Application of systems thinking
The application of systems thinking occurs in multiple environments. In sports , for example, it is very important when it comes to disciplines that are practiced as a team.
If we take the case of basketball , the coach must be able to analyze the whole and not just the individualities. A player may have fewer skills than a teammate but be more valuable than the other in the functioning of the team by excelling in something specific, to mention one possibility. This particularity can only be recognized if systems thinking is chosen.
In a company , systemic thinking is necessary to define corporate policy and draw up a strategy that serves to integrate the various areas. With this multidimensional approach, a balance can be fostered in the entity, which will have the capacity for adaptation and resilience and will be able to achieve sustainable growth.
The optimization of production processes, operational stability and management efficiency are more feasible with a systemic vision . The managers of a firm, with this perspective, have relevant information flows for decision-making and to advance in solving problems by appealing to innovation and creativity.
In a broad sense, systemic awareness contributes to resource management and sustainable development through strategic planning . It also allows us to anticipate future scenarios, collaborating with adaptation to change.