The Need For Systems Thinking

 

Systems thinking is a conceptual framework which takes the view that understanding how systems work requires an holistic view &a realization that systems exist within other systems. None of these systems (or system of systems) are well-defined by the components themselves but rather are driven by the relationships of the components

A systems thinking view has usually been missing in most parts of Agile, particularly those based on frameworks that have prescribed practices. Culture and attitudes of the people adopting the framework are part of the system. No framework exists on its own and therefore its practices may not be fit for purpose. Practitioners and consultants can improve their frameworks by adopting some central thoughts of systems thinking

• Changing one part of the system affects other parts of the system, often with unpredictable behavior.
• Systems manifest patterns of behavior, the understanding of which can help improve them
• Systems interact with the systems they are part of
• an holistic view must be taken when looking where to start

Wherever started, the goal should be to affect the larger system. This requires attending to how those in the starting point are affected by and affect other parts of the organization