Gain thinking skills to navigate real-world complexities

What is Holism ?

Holism is an approach that emphasizes viewing systems as whole entities rather than merely a collection of separate parts. This perspective sees the parts in relation to the entire system, allowing for the understanding of emergence and emergent properties. Russel Ackoff refers to this concept as ‘synthetic thinking’ or ‘Synthesis,’ which focuses on “seeing the whole rather than parts.”

Additional Glossary Terms

Interactive Planning (IP)

Interactive Planning, developed by Russell L. Ackoff, is a strategic approach used to manage complexity in organizations. It leverages the collective knowledge and creativity of all members to construct a

Modelling

Modelling is a process that involves creating an abstract and simplified representation of a system. By examining the system’s components and their relationships, we can gain valuable insights and uncover

Unintended Consequences

Unintended consequences are outcomes that occur unexpectedly or without prior intention due to interactions and behaviors within a complex system. They are not part of the system’s original goals or

Complex Adaptive Systems

A “Complex Adaptive System” is a collection of diverse, interconnected entities that adapt and interact with each other, leading to emergent behaviours and patterns. These systems are characterized by their

Perspective

Perspective refers to the specific viewpoint from which an individual observes and interprets a system or situation. It is inherently tied to the one’s current position or context, influencing how

Causal Loop

Causal loop refers to the representation of cause-and-effect relationships between variables or components in a system. Causal loops and feedback loops are often used interchangeable. A feedback loop is a