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Lists of Questions

Systems Thinking Questions

Uncover the hidden dynamics

Introduction

In a complex and interconnected world, understanding the underlying dynamics of systems is crucial for effective problem-solving. These questions will help you adopt a systems thinking approach to gain insights into the interconnected elements, feedback loops, and unintended consequences that shape the behavior of a system. By exploring different archetypes and mapping out causal relationships, you'll be better equipped to identify leverage points and devise sustainable solutions that address the root causes of challenges. Embrace systems thinking to uncover the hidden dynamics and unlock new possibilities for success.

Questions

1. Fixes That Fail

This archetype refers to situations where short-term solutions or quick fixes are implemented to address a crisis or problem but end up causing unintended long-term consequences.

Have actions been taken to respond quickly to a crisis without much consideration of long-term consequences?

Have similar actions been taken in the past in response to similar crises?

Description: This archetype refers to situations where short-term solutions or quick fixes are implemented to address a crisis or problem but end up causing unintended long-term consequences.

2. Shifting the Burden

This archetype describes situations where actions are taken to alleviate immediate symptoms of a problem, often neglecting the need for more fundamental and sustainable solutions.

Are actions taken to alleviate problem symptoms shifting attention away from more fundamental solutions?

Are there additional consequences that systematically erode the underlying capability of the organization?

3. Limits to Success

This archetype highlights scenarios where once-successful programs or initiatives start experiencing diminishing returns or encounter constraints that hinder further growth.

Are once-successful programs experiencing diminishing returns?

Are there limits in the system that are constraining the growth?

4. Drifting Goals

This archetype pertains to situations where goals or standards gradually erode over time, leading to a loss of focus and alignment.

Are there goals or standards that are eroding over time?

Are people focused on achieving the goal or on reducing the discomfort of not being at the goal?

Are some goals being met at the expense of others?

5. Growth and Underinvestment

This archetype explores the tendency to invest reactively in response to growth instead of proactively anticipating future needs.

Do investments tend to be made as a reaction to growth rather than in anticipation of growth?

Do problems created by growth, rather than long-range planning, act as the organizational signal to invest?

What would happen if investments were made earlier, in anticipation of limits to growth?

6. Success to the Successful

Is there a resource for which allocation decisions are in a zero-sum game?

Does the success of each party depend on receiving the same resource?

Does allocation of the fixed resource depend on success of the parties involved?

Description: This archetype deals with situations where the allocation of a limited resource is based on the success or performance of the parties involved.

7. Escalation

Are there two or more players whose individual actions can be perceived as a threat by the others?

Does each player have the capacity to respond to a sense of threat with actions similar to the other party’s?

Description: This archetype relates to scenarios involving two or more players whose actions can be perceived as threats by others, leading to a cycle of escalating responses.

8. Tragedy of the Commons

Is there a large number of players who have free or equal access to a common and limited resource?

Is the system set up to be self-regulated, with no overarching governing body?

Is there any regulatory or coordinating mechanism for managing the commons? If so, is it effective?

Description: This archetype refers to situations where a shared and limited resource is accessible to a large number of players.

9. Causal Loop Diagrams

What are the key feedback loops influencing the behavior of the system?

How do various variables within the system interact and influence each other?

Description: Causal Loop Diagrams are visual representations of the relationships between variables in a system, showcasing how feedback loops affect system behavior.

10. Delays and Feedback Loops

Are there delays in the system that impact its behavior or response time?

Are there reinforcing or balancing feedback loops that contribute to amplifying or dampening system behavior?

Description: Delays and feedback loops play a crucial role in understanding the time delays and interactions between different elements within a system.

11. System Boundaries and Interconnections

What are the boundaries of the system under consideration?

How does the system interact with external factors and other interconnected systems?

Description: System Boundaries and Interconnections refer to understanding the scope and interactions of the system being analyzed, as well as its relationship with external factors and other systems.

12. Emergent Properties

Are there emergent properties or behaviors that arise from the interactions within the system?

How do these emergent properties impact the overall behavior and outcomes of the system?

Description: Emergent Properties are the behaviors or characteristics that emerge from the interactions between elements within a system, often influencing the system's overall behavior.

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