A change set in motion in one part of a system ripples through a system and into its interconnecting systems, co-causing continuous change.
This flow of impacts is depicted by a systems dynamics model. The figure illustrates the impacts between some co-factors associated with education in developing countries. A system analyst can “walk through” the model and follow the flow of change.
The outcome of an impact is not predictable, as different systems tap and respond to an impact differently. For example, an unmotivated teacher is likely to demotivate the pupils. However, some pupils could also refuse to “tap” the impact and remain motivated.
The ripples of change will also return to the system from which change originated, either via other systems or directly between two interacting systems as circular causation, analogous to the chicken – egg paradox.
Circular causation can involve a vicious circle (analogous to “you hit me, I hit you back”, which is typical for war situations). It could also refer to a virtuous circle (analogous to “if you are nice to me, I am nice to you too”).
Vicious circles are broken if one party does not retaliate (analogous to “turning the other cheek”). This allows a vicious circle to be turned into a virtuous one. For example, South Africa’s peaceful transition was due to non-retaliation for the evil perpetrated by Apartheid.
The interaction in a vicious and virtuous circle gets reinforced, escalates and can easily spin out of control. It is also difficult to determine the beginning of the interactions and who started it.
relevance
The development of systems and problems experienced by them are the result of dynamic change.
relevance for the change manager
Because of mutual impacts, solving one problem or developing one system in isolation of others is ineffective. Instead, decision-makers need to adopt a systemic worldview and systemic problem (dis)solving methods. These consider impacts and involve stakeholders in co-producing win / win based outcomes for the interacting systems.
what is the relevance of this concept for you?
