Analytic vs. Systems Thinking
Using “Analytic Approaches to Systems Problems”
Systems vs. Analytic Thinking
In Systems Thinking –the whole is primary and the parts are secondary
vs.
In Analytic Thinking –the parts are primary and the whole is secondary
Analytic Thinking
(Analysis of Today) |
vs.
|
Systems Thinking
(Synthesis for the Future) |
||
1. | We/They |
vs.
|
1. | Customers/stakeholders |
2. | Independent |
vs.
|
2. | Interdependent |
2. | Independent |
vs.
|
2. | Interdependent |
3. | Activities/tasks/means |
and
|
3. | Outcomes/ends |
4. | Problem solving |
and
|
4. | Solution seeking |
5. | Today is fine |
vs.
|
5. | Shared vision of future |
6. | Units/departments |
and
|
6. | Total organization |
7. | Silo mentality |
vs.
|
7. | Cross-functional teamwork |
8. | Closed enviroment |
vs.
|
8. | Openness and feedback |
9. | Department goals |
and
|
9. | Shared core strategies |
10. | Strategic Planning project |
vs.
|
10. | Strategic Management System |
11. | Hierarchy and controls |
and
|
11. | Serve the customer |
12. | Not my job |
vs.
|
12. | Communications and collaboration |
13. | Isolated change |
vs.
|
13. | Systemic change |
14. | Linear/begin-end |
vs.
|
14. | Circular/repeat cycles |
15. | Little picture/view |
vs.
|
15. | Big picture/holistic perspective |
16. | Short-term |
and
|
16. | Long-term |
17. | Separate issues |
vs.
|
17. | Related issues |
18. | Symptoms |
and
|
18. | Root causes |
19. | Isolated Events |
and
|
19. | Patterns/trends |
20. | Activities/Actions |
and
|
20. | Clear outcome expectations(Goals/Values) |