Critical Systems Theory (CST) sees systems thinking as essential to managing multidimensional 'messes' in which technical, economic, organizational, human, cultural and political elements interact. It is critical in a positive manner because it seeks to capitalize on the strengths of existing approaches while also calling attention to their limitations. CST seeks to allow systems approaches such as systems engineering, system dynamics, organizational cybernetics, soft systems methodology, critical systems heuristics, and others, to be used together, in a responsive and flexible way, to maximize the benefits they can bring.
CST was largely developed at the Centre for Systems Studies, University of Hull Recent developments have centered on the application of CST in practice, in particular Gerald Midgley's (REF)'Systemic Intervention' focusing on Boundary Critique (REF).
Origins
- Accounts of how the theoretical partiality of existing systems methodologies limited their ability to guide interventions in the full range of problem situations
- Calls for pluralism in systems practice
- Suggestions about how those disadvantaged by systems designs could be given a voice and have impact.
References
Midgley, G. (2001). Systemic intervention: Philosophy, methodology, and practice. Springer Science & Business Media.