A maturing of systems thinking? Evidence from three perspectives

Date

2004

Authors

Barton, John
Emery, Merrelyn
Flood, Robert
Selsky, Joh
Wolstenholme, Eric

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Plenum Publishing Corporation

Abstract

This paper reviews trends in systems theory/thinking from the 1970s to the early 2000s. It proposes a maturation of the field based on certain conceptual and methodological advances that have sought to liberate systems thinking from earlier strictures. An edited dialogue among three prominent systems thinkers from different systems "schools"-Merrelyn Emery, Bob Flood, and Eric Wolstenholme-provides evidence. Similarities and differences are identified, complementarities among the schools are derived and analyzed, and trajectories for future research are indicated.

Description

Keywords

Keywords: Critical systems thinking; Open systems theory; System dynamics; Systems schools; Systems thinking

Citation

Source

Systemic Practice and Action Research

Type

Journal article

Book Title

Entity type

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