Lecture on Systems Thinking and Complexity

Introduction

• Hosts: Mike Jackson and Jean Bolton
• Focus on their recent books:
  • Mike Jackson: "Critical Systems Thinking: A Practitioner's Guide"
  • Jean Bolton: "The Dao of Complexity: Making Sense and Making Waves"
• Aim: Explore how different perspectives on systems thinking and complexity complement and challenge each other.

Speaker Backgrounds

Professor Michael Jackson

• Emeritus professor at the University of Hull.
• Known for contributions to critical systems thinking.
• Advocates for using diverse methodologies to address complex problems.

Dr. Jean Bolton

• Fellow of The Institute of Physics, visiting academic at the University of Bath.
• Focuses on complexity science, strategy, change, and leadership.
• Emphasizes the interconnectedness of different fields of knowledge.

Key Themes and Ideas

Jean Bolton: The Dao of Complexity

• Explores the nature of the complex world.
• Describes complexity through metaphysical lenses and ontological resonance.
• Emphasizes patterning and the process of complexity.
• Discusses the idea of "becoming" and intrinsic indeterminism.
• Ethical underpinning: Aims to make the world a better place.
• Focuses less on methods, more on understanding and worldviews.

Mike Jackson: Critical Systems Thinking

• Attempts to compile valuable insights from systems thinking over 40 years.
• Emphasizes the limitations of traditional scientific methods in handling complexity.
• Systems thinking as complementary to scientific approaches.
• Details a multimethodology called "EPIC":
  • Exploring problem situations via systemic perspectives.
  • Building with systemic methodologies.
  • Intervening flexibly.
  • Checking improvements across multiple dimensions.
• Advocates for systemic leadership to overcome barriers to systems thinking.

Comparative Discussion

Similarities

• Both emphasize the importance of pragmatism and incorporating multiple perspectives.
• Share a commitment to addressing global challenges and improving societal structures.

Differences

• Jean focuses on ontological questions and the metaphysical nature of reality.
• Mike centers on practical methodologies and structured systems thinking.
• Debate on whether systems thinking is primarily about "what is" vs. "what is becoming".

Challenges and Future Directions

• Resistance to complexity and systems thinking in managerial contexts.
• The need for better education and training in systems thinking and complexity.
• Pragmatisms' risk of axiological blindness and the importance of underlying values.
• Both emphasize ethics and the co-creation of future systems.

Conclusion

• Importance of dialogue and critical engagement within the field.
• Encouragement to integrate and apply both systems thinking and complexity science.
• Call for more structured educational approaches in systems thinking and complexity.