Title: Investigating the Role of Context in Systems Thinking: A Qualitative Approach
Author(s) : Julia Cronin-Gilmore, Anna Czegledi, Helen G. Hammond
This study investigates the role of systems thinking through a qualitative contextual analysis approach, examining 526 participants and how individuals apply systems thinking principles to address business-related problems in both practice and education. The research focuses on two central questions: (1) situations where systems thinking has been applied to address a complex challenge, and (2) instances where underlying patterns or trends in projects or group work were identified. Through contextual thematic analysis, several key themes emerged, including systemic problem-solving, root cause analysis, and process improvement. Participants highlighted the importance of collaboration and team dynamics in improving systems, while also addressing challenges such as communication breakdowns and feedback loops. Leadership and mentorship were identified as crucial elements for guiding teams through complex systems, facilitating continuous adaptation, and ensuring the efficiency of processes. Trends such as managing change, adapting to external factors, and the iterative nature of systems improvement were also essential in shaping the findings. This study underscores the significance of understanding in applying systems thinking and its impact on both individual and collective problem-solving capabilities.