Systems thinking is a better way to make work work. It is diametrically opposed to command and control thinking.
Command and control Thinking
Systems Thinking
Top-down hierarchy
Perspective
Outside-in system
Functional specialisation and procedures
Design of work
Demand, value and flow
Contractual
Attitude to customers
What matters?
Separated from work
Decision-making
Integrated with work
Output, targets, activity, standards: Related to budget
Measurement
Capability, variation: Related to purpose
Attitude to suppliers
Co-operative
Control budgets, manage people
Management ethos
Learn through action on the system
Extrinsic
Assumptions about motivation
Intrinsic
To change performance, change thinking. Systems thinking means customer-driven
Manufacturing is 'service' too
Useful resources:
Getting started with systems thinking? Try our systems thinking tactics series. The Vanguard Guide to Understanding your Organisation as a System The Vanguard Service Audit
Getting started with systems thinking? Try our systems thinking tactics series. The Vanguard Guide to Understanding your Organisation as a System
The Vanguard Service Audit
