Systems Thinking Concept Analysis Paper Example

Walker and Avant (2011) define attributes by the characteristics that present repetitively in the use of this concept. The defining attributes of systems thinking, on the other hand, refer to the evident features when utilizing the systems thinking. Examples of these characteristics are systems that are dynamic, with a full perspective that covers the aspects of this system, identifies patterns, and is transformative and non-linear.

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Dynamic system: functions of systems thinking are based on an interconnection between individuals and the components of their environment (Dolansky & Moore, 2013). It incorporates being aware of and considering the synchronization, interaction, and integration of the people, technology, and other processes among the systems that are fluctuating (Trbovich, 2014; Kroelinger et al., 2014). The occurrence of systems thinking is on a continuum considering both "downstream" and "upstream." (Bleich, 2014a); yet, it is not linear (Weimann & Wiemann, 2004; Serim, 2001). In determining the root of the problem, I consider beyond a particular event because I believe that getting and understanding of several preceding events are important. I also look into the causes that led to the situation, as well as the effects putting in mind that systems are constantly changing.

Holistic perspective: it analyzes and differentiates cultural, physical, technological, social and behavioral effects of the system while recognizing the relationships between processes and structures (Bocoum, Kouanda, Kouyate, Hounton, & Adam, 2013; Habron, Goralink, & Thorp, 2012; Kroelinger et al., 2014). It is also useful for the identification of patterns. Systems thinking is dependent on thinking critically with a broad inquiry seeking to know patterns in a situation that is complicated (Evans, Huxley, Maxwell, &Huxley, 2014; Kroelinger et al., 2014). Recognizing causal effects between two system components also looks into possible feedback loops in recognizing sequences (Bocoum et al., 2013; Kroelinger et al., 2014).

Transformative: By using self-examination, insight, and action, system thinking causes transformation (Krejci, 1997) during the process of data conversion to information and knowledge. The interrelationship and commitment to an improvement lead to a response that is proactive rather than reactive. According to Senge (2006), individuals are transformed by mental models, personal mastery, and shared vision. As the people involved gather with their view of a collaborative system, they are pushed to commit themselves to a transformative change (Gilson et al., 2014). Accordingly, collaboration increases the probability of positive effects while it reduces negative effects (Swanson et al., 2012) since there is a potential for both (Weiman & Weiman, 2004).

Antecedents

Walker and Avant (2011) indicate that the occurrence of antecedents is before the concept. Some antecedents should be there among teams, individuals, and the environment. They include process, situational, process, and foundational antecedents, and are critical in making one understand the system better. Foundational antecedent, in this case, refers to those antecedents that build a personal meaning of the system.

A situational antecedent, on the other hand, refers to the action and insight that determines how a person resolves a problem within the system. They begin with an absence of holistic coordination, active inter-professional practice by assessing roles and effects of individual people, aggregates, groups, and populations present in the system (Leischow &Milstein, 2006).

A process antecedent is the use of a systematic and interactive process which moves from the individual identification to a deeper understanding of the system by inter-professional collaboration, action, and insight (Bocoum et al., 2013).

Consequences

According to Walker and Avant (2011), consequences are brought about by the concept. In the utilization of systems thinking in complex and dynamic firms, the outcome is categorized according to the effect on individual people, groups, and the organization regarding transformation (Donabedian Quality Framework, 1988, p.7).

Individual people. Systems thinking have an effect of transformation on the individual people, attributed to the higher quality care on patients. The patient also gets an opportunity to know the reasons and instances of the success or failure of the system (Bleich, 2014c, p.247). The health workers also understand the effects on the system of providing patient-centered care. In effect, it enhances the promotion of ethics and good behavior at work (MacRae, Fox &Slowther, 2008).

Groups. Systems thinking transforms the organization among groups therein. When health workers involve other cadres and the patients in making decisions, team work is enhanced (Bleich, 2014a). System thinking is also known to promote collaboration among stakeholders and to reduce disempowerment of the care givers MacRae et al., 2008, p. 314).

Organization. Systems thinking transforms an organization by making organizational reasoning stronger, improving IPP for higher quality care, and in making of critical decisions (Bleich, 2014c). It also promotes quality of care provided by making it patient-centered and enhancing evidence-based guidelines for practice (MacRae et al., 2008).

Systems thinking leads to a situation with minimum medical errors on patients and improves the system (Bleich, 2014c). It encourages a dynamic culture and promotes teamwork within an organization without blaming each other (Rodrigues, 2002). Changes in culture for sophisticated systems affects the whole system (Wieman &Wieman, 2004).

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