Critical Systems Theory

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 by Michael Jackson.

Recent developments have centered on the application of CST in practice, in particular Gerald Midgley's 'Systemic Intervention' (Midgley, 2001) focusing on Boundary Critique ( Midgley et al., 1998).

Origins

• Accounts of how the theoretical partiality of existing systems methodologies limited their ability to guide interventions in the full range of problem situations (Mingers, 1980; Jackson & Michael, 1982)
• Calls for pluralism in systems practice (Jackson, Michael, Keys, 1984; Jackson, 1987)
• Suggestions about how those disadvantaged by systems designs could be given a voice and have impact (Jackson, Michael, 1985; Ulrich, 1983)

References

• Jackson, Michael C (1982). "The nature of soft systems thinking: the work of Churchman, Ackoff and Checkland". Journal of Applied Systems Analysis. 9: 17–28.
• Jackson, MC (1987). "Present positions and future prospects in management science". Omega. 15 (6): 455–466.
• Jackson, Michael C (1985). "Social systems theory and practice: the need for a critical approach". International Journal of General Systems. 10: 135–151.
• Jackson, Michael C; Keys, P (1984). "Towards a system of systems methodologies". Journal of the Operational Research Society. 35 (6): 473–486.
• Midgley, G. (2001). Systemic intervention: Philosophy, methodology, and practice. Springer Science & Business Media.
• Midgley, G., Munlo, I., & Brown, M. (1998). The theory and practice of boundary critique: developing housing services for older people. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 49(5), 467-478.
• Midgley, G., & Rajagopalan, R. (2020). Critical systems thinking, systemic intervention, and beyond. Handbook of Systems Sciences, 1-51.
• Mingers, J (1980). "Towards an appropriate social theory for applied systems thinking: critical theory and soft systems methodology". Journal of Applied Systems Analysis. 7: 41–49.
• Ulrich, W (1983). Critical heuristics of social planning. Bern: Haupt.