The basic idea in value-focused decision making
is that decision making should begin by identifying our values instead of our options.
We choose between our options to best achieve what we value. Therefore, we
should not narrow our thinking to the options given to us, but think creatively
about what would be the best ways to achieve the things that we value.
These approaches are both related to decision making. However, to me it seems that systems thinking seems to be more inclined towards solving existing problems, whereas value-focused
thinking is more about proactive generation of alternatives.
However, both are always necessary since our values define what we ultimately care about in the system. And
from the other perspective, structure of the system will determines what consequences our decisions will have. This relationship is
described in the following figure.
PS. As you may noticed, I changed the name of the blog. The new covers more stuff and is more elegant.
Tuomas, My approach is that systems thinking is a framework or worldview within which thinking takes place. This approach to thinking has certain premises and assumptions about the nature of how one understands reality, how the elements of our perceptions may be related, and the ways one might intervene when faced with challenges or opportunities. Decision making - including with a value-based orientation - follows one's worldview and describes a set of processes and strategies for intervening. Design thinking is an example of decision making and is value-based because it embeds the interests and purposes of those asked to intervene by trying to "solve" or "dissolve" a challenge. Systems thinking from the perspective of organizations and people - similar to design thinking / decision making from the perspective of organizations and people - necessarily are human-value-based. (Sincerely, Larry Starr - I am designing a doctoral program in leadership for Philadelphia University - which has a relationship with Aalto).
ReplyDeleteLarry, interesting and I like your points and the description of Systems Thinking as "a framework or worldview"!. This post is very (too?) narrow about systems thinking. Its more like a small note or thought about the relative position of systems thinking / value-focused thinking. :)
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