An Introduction to Community Operational Research

Midgley, Gerald; Arias, Alejandro E. Ochoa

doi:10.1007/978-1-4419-8911-6_1

Cited by 14 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 67 publications

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“…To make such a judgement, one can ask: have sufficient boundaries been explored to give confidence, not only that there is a shared cognitive environment, but also that nothing of major significance has been missed? This question assumes that comprehensive analysis is forever out of reach, but it is nevertheless still possible to improve understanding through boundary explorations (Ulrich, 1994;Midgley et al, 1998;Midgley & Ochoa-Arias, 2004). However, the answer may only become apparent…”

Section: Delving More Deeply Into the Black Boxmentioning

confidence: 99%

Boundary games: How teams of OR practitioners explore the boundaries of intervention

Velez-Castiblanco

Brocklesby

Midgley

2016

European Journal of Operational Research

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Section: Delving More Deeply Into the Black Boxmentioning

confidence: 99%

Boundary games: How teams of OR practitioners explore the boundaries of intervention

Velez-Castiblanco

Brocklesby

Midgley

2016

European Journal of Operational Research

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“…Once perspective taking is introduced into the equation, it is possible to say that parts and wholes may have different meanings from different points of view (e.g., Churchman, ; Checkland, ; Ulrich, ; Checkland and Scholes, ; Checkland and Poulter, ) and therefore that human cognition is germane to the analysis of systems. Perspectives can be used to expand our thinking and include more options or to restrict our thinking and cause greater focus when necessary [here we support Ulrich () and Midgley and Ochoa‐Arias () in their view that systems thinking does not imply only the expansion of boundaries through perspective taking]. Perspectives pervade all forms of thinking, even if they are sometimes less obvious than distinctions, systems, and relationships.…”

Section: Distinctions Systems Relationships and Perspectives (Dsrp)mentioning

confidence: 61%

A Unifying Theory of Systems Thinking with Psychosocial Applications

2015

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Systems thinking is a field characterized by a baffling array of methods and approaches. We posit that underlying all, however, are four universal rules called DSRP (distinctions, systems, relationships, and perspectives; each containing two co-implying elements). We make distinctions between and among things and ideas, each implying the existence of an other. We identify systems, which are composed of parts and wholes. We recognize relationships composed of actions and reactions. We take perspectives consisting of a point (from which we see) and a view (that which is seen). We argue that DSRP offers a unifying and organizing principle for the field of systems thinking and an indispensable analytical tool for solving complex problems. At the same time, the metacognitive practice of applying these rules has significant psychosocial implications, such as increasing self-awareness, empathy, and a sense of belonging, while decreasing stereotyping and self-harming and other-harming orientations. As such, DSRP has the potential to create advanced analytical thinkers with prosocial orientations.

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“…This builds upon traditions of critical systems thinking; a key aspect of systemic intervention is the need for critical reflection on the question of the 'boundaries' placed upon inquiry, that is assumptions about whose perspectives are relevant and how this will impact upon the intervention (e.g. Midgley, 2000;Midgley and Ochoa-Arias, 2004).…”

Section: Inquiry Advocacy and Systemic Interventionmentioning

confidence: 99%