Towards Systemic Theories of Change: High‐Leverage Strategies for Managing Wicked Problems

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-65
Author(s):  
Ryan J. A. Murphy ◽  
Peter Jones
Keyword(s):  
Wicked Problems ◽  
Theories Of Change

The complexity of wicked problems in large scale change

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 993-1012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Waddock ◽  
Greta M. Meszoely ◽  
Steve Waddell ◽  
Domenico Dentoni
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Change Agents ◽  
Transformational Change ◽  
System Change ◽  
Wicked Problems ◽  
Large System ◽  
Change Initiatives ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theories Of Change ◽  
Complexity Theories

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to extend and elaborate the notion of successful organizational change to incorporate the concept of large system change (LSC), by developing a framework that brings together complexity and wicked problems theories to understand how individual organizations and change agents can better influence LSC. Design/methodology/approach – This conceptual paper integrates wicked problems and complexity theories to understand and cope with large system initiatives from the perspective of change agents in organizations, and uses the case of the electricity system as an illustrative example for these concepts. Findings – The paper provides implications for LSC and action steps for change agents in organizations, arguing that by understanding change initiatives through the lenses of complexity and wicked problems, change agents are likely to be more effective. Research limitations/implications – The integration of complexity science and wicked problems underpins the development of a comprehensive framework for creating effective LSC solutions, however, these ideas still need to be grounded in practice and empirical research. Practical implications – Using these ideas, change agents in organizations can enhance their influence and use the power of system dynamics to support positive action for sustainable change. This paper provides a foundation to help think through the cross-sectoral, inter-organizational, and change dynamics involved in LSC efforts needed to bring about a more sustainable, secure, and equitable world for all. Social implications – The world greatly needs system change; however, there is limited theory on effective LSC. This paper hopes to contribute to understanding the ways in which the difficulties of such change can be harnessed to move in positive directions with minimal disruption and greatest effectiveness. Originality/value – Theories of change management that position the organization in the context of a broader system and define its role in creating change do not yet articulate the nature of the problems at hand in relation to the large systems where they are embedded. This paper builds upon wicked problems and complexity theories to shed light on the role of change agents and organizations in effective transformational change.

Business: Conceptualizations of Organizational Change Viewed Through the Lens of Power: A Tutorial for the Speech-Language Pathologist/Audiologist Administrator

2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-17
Author(s):  
Patrick R. Walden
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Change ◽  
Health Care Organizations ◽  
Social Power ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Organization Level ◽  
Speech Language Pathologist ◽  
Constant State ◽  
Theories Of Change ◽  
Or Organization

Both educational and health care organizations are in a constant state of change, whether triggered by national, regional, local, or organization-level policy. The speech-language pathologist/audiologist-administrator who aids in the planning and implementation of these changes, however, may not be familiar with the expansive literature on change in organizations. Further, how organizational change is planned and implemented is likely affected by leaders' and administrators' personal conceptualizations of social power, which may affect how front line clinicians experience organizational change processes. The purpose of this article, therefore, is to introduce the speech-language pathologist/audiologist-administrator to a research-based classification system for theories of change and to review the concept of power in social systems. Two prominent approaches to change in organizations are reviewed and then discussed as they relate to one another as well as to social conceptualizations of power.

Articulating a strategic approach to face complexity in design projects

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca SIMEONE ◽  
David DRABBLE ◽  
Giorgia IACOPINI ◽  
Kirsten VAN DAM ◽  
Nicola MORELLI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Complexity Theory ◽  
Wicked Problems ◽  
Theory Of Change ◽  
Strategic Action ◽  
Community Initiatives ◽  
Uncertain Environment ◽  
Strategic Approach ◽  
Design Projects

In today’s world of global wicked problems, constraints and imperatives imposed by an external and uncertain environment render strategic action a quite complex endeavour. Since the 1990s, within community initiatives and philanthropic projects, the construct of Theory of Change has been used to address such complexity. Theory of Change can be defined as the systematic and cumulative study of the links between the activities, outcomes, and context of an intervention. The area of focus for this paper is to explore whether Theory of Change can support more strategic approaches in design. In particular, the paper examines how Theory of Change was applied to DESIGNSCAPES - a project oriented, among other things, toward offering a supporting service for all those city actors interested in using design to develop urban innovation initiatives that tackle complex issues of broad concern.

Topology Analysis on the National Wicked Problems Using Keyword Network

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 863-889
Author(s):  
Min-Young Lee ◽  
Jisung Yoon ◽  
Yongrae Cho ◽  
Woo-Sung Jung
Keyword(s):  
Wicked Problems ◽  
Topology Analysis ◽  
Keyword Network

scholarly journals A futuring approach to teaching wicked problems

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Jesse Hoffman ◽  
Peter Pelzer ◽  
Loes Albert ◽  
Tine Béneker ◽  
Maarten Hajer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wicked Problems ◽  
Approach To Teaching
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