What role does causal reasoning play in the symbiosis between AI and Systems Thinking

Causal reasoning is a central bridge in the symbiosis between AI and Systems Thinking, enabling both fields to address the complexities of real-world systems more effectively.

Key Roles of Causal Reasoning

• From Correlation to Causation: Traditional AI often relies on identifying patterns and correlations in data. Causal reasoning, as emphasized in Systems Thinking, shifts the focus to understanding why events occur—identifying authentic cause-and-effect relationships rather than mere statistical associations134. This is critical for AI to move beyond prediction and toward actionable, explainable interventions.

• Integration with Systems Models: Systems Thinking offers frameworks such as causal loop diagrams and stock-and-flow diagrams that explicitly model feedback loops and interdependencies. When AI incorporates causal reasoning, it can leverage these models to interpret more effectively, simulate, and predict the behavior of complex systems over time.

• Robustness and Adaptability: By embedding causal inference techniques, AI systems become more robust, interpretable, and generalizable. They can handle novel scenarios and distribution shifts more reliably, as causal models discern the underlying mechanisms rather than just surface-level patterns.

• Counterfactual Reasoning and Scenario Exploration: Causal reasoning enables AI to ask “what if” questions and explore alternative scenarios, essential for strategic planning, policy design, and adaptive management. This capability, rooted in Systems Thinking, helps AI anticipate the long-term and indirect effects of interventions46.

• Reduction of Bias and Improved Trust: Explicit modeling of causal relationships enables AI systems to identify and mitigate spurious correlations that may lead to biased decisions, thereby making outputs more trustworthy and aligned with real-world dynamics.

Summary Table: Causal Reasoning in AI and Systems Thinking

Function	Systems Thinking Contribution	AI with Causal Reasoning	Combined Benefit
Understanding Causes	Causal models, feedback loops	Causal inference	Deeper, actionable insights
Scenario Exploration	“What if” analysis	Counterfactual reasoning	Better planning, adaptive interventions
Robustness	Holistic, dynamic models	Generalizable models	Reliable in novel situations
Bias Mitigation	Contextual, systemic view	Causal structure	Fairer, more trustworthy decisions

 

In summary, causal reasoning enables AI to leverage the strengths of Systems Thinking—modeling complex interdependencies and feedback loops—resulting in more robust, adaptable, and trustworthy AI systems651.

1. https://www.spglobal.com/en/research-insights/special-reports/causal-ai-how-cause-and-effect-will-change-artificial-intelligence
2. https://thecuberesearch.com/the-role-of-causality-in-agentic-ai/
3. https://ssir.org/articles/entry/the_case_for_causal_ai
4. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/04/causal-ai-decision-making/
5. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4832302
6. https://arxiv.org/html/2503.05857v1
7. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/next-evolution-ai-how-causal-intelligence-transform-david-borish-pakdc
8. https://kanerika.com/blogs/causal-ai/

What is Transdiciplinary Education?

Transdisciplinary learning is an educational approach that enables students to explore complex, real-world issues by drawing on knowledge and perspectives from multiple disciplines, including those outside traditional academic subjects. It emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving, encouraging students to see connections between different subjects and their own liveshttps://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+transdisciplinary+learning&newwindow=1&sca_esv=ccb8066356fd07b7&source=hp&ei=DglbaKHWLMOIptQP557q8Qc&iflsig=AOw8s4IAAAAAaFsXHqJtFe_BvAEQRYPfRwNLxQWSU4Z1&oq=what+is+transdiciplinary&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6Ihh3aGF0IGlzIHRyYW5zZGljaXBsaW5hcnkqAggBMgcQABiABBgKMgcQABiABBgKMgcQABiABBgKMgcQABiABBgKMgcQABiABBgKMgcQABiABBgKMgcQABiABBgKMgcQABiABBgKMgcQABiABBgKMgcQABiABBgKSI1qUABYv0NwAHgAkAEAmAGyAaAB0xCqAQQxOS41uAEByAEA-AEBmAIYoAK8EsICCxAAGIAEGLEDGIMBwgIREC4YgAQYsQMY0QMYgwEYxwHCAg4QABiABBixAxiDARiKBcICCxAuGIAEGNEDGMcBwgIOEC4YgAQYsQMY0QMYxwHCAggQABiABBixA8ICBRAAGIAEwgIIEC4YgAQYsQPCAhMQABiABBixAxiDARiKBRhGGPkBwgIEEAAYA5gDAJIHBDE4LjagB93BAbIHBDE4Lja4B7wSwgcKMi0xOC40LjEuMcgHzgE&sclient=gws-wiz

How To Unlock AI Impact Through Systems Thinking And LLMs

By Rogayeh Tabrizi,

Forbes Councils Member.

For Forbes Technology Council

COUNCIL POST | Membership (fee-based)

Sep 22, 2023, 08:00am EDT

This article explores how organizations can maximize the transformative potential of artificial intelligence by integrating systems thinking with large language models (LLMs). It emphasizes that leveraging AI effectively requires a holistic understanding of complex, interconnected systems, rather than relying on isolated technological solutions. The authors advocate for a systems approach to identify leverage points, anticipate unintended consequences, and foster sustainable AI innovation. By combining systems thinking principles with the capabilities of large language models (LLMs), organizations can enhance decision-making, optimize processes, and address global challenges more effectively. The article concludes with practical strategies for leaders to implement this integrated approach, unlocking higher impact and creating more resilient, adaptive AI-driven systems.
How To Unlock AI Impact Through Systems Thinking And LLMs

Enduring Influence: A Report on Recent References to Russell L. Ackoff

Enduring Influence: A Report on Recent References to Russell L. Ackoff

From Gemini Open AI

Russell Lincoln Ackoff (1919-2009) remains significant in organizational theory, systems thinking, and operations research. His pioneering work at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and extensive consulting career have left a lasting mark on how scholars and practitioners approach complex problems and organizational design. This report examines recent articles and discussions referencing Ackoff's contributions, thereby assessing his ideas' ongoing impact and relevance in contemporary discourse within management thought and practice. The scope of this analysis encompasses news articles, academic publications, blog posts, social media mentions, and book reviews published primarily within the last year, providing a comprehensive overview of his continued influence.

Recent Mentions in News and Online Publications

The digital landscape provides a rich source of information regarding the current engagement with Ackoff's work. Recent blog posts and online articles demonstrate a sustained interest in his core concepts and their application to modern challenges.

Blog Posts and Articles on Systems Thinking and Management

A blog post on the Systems Thinking Alliance website, published on June 11, 2024, titled "Russell Ackoff: A Visionary in Systems Thinking," is a contemporary affirmation of his foundational contributions. The article highlights Ackoff's transformative impact on understanding complex problems within systems thinking, emphasizing his influence on academic theory and practical applications. Key concepts such as defining a 'mess' as an interconnected set of organizational problems are discussed, alongside his advocacy for participatory planning to address these multifaceted issues comprehensively. The importance of both systems analysis, which breaks down complex systems to understand their functions, and synthesis, which integrates these parts to comprehend the whole system, is underscored. Ackoff's proposition of four distinct approaches to handling problems and messes—absolution, resolution, solution, and dissolution—is also detailed, with the article noting his belief in dissolution, which involves redesigning the system to eliminate the problem, as the most effective approach for management.
Furthermore, the post elaborates on Ackoff's interactive planning method, centered on 'idealized redesign,' where stakeholders collaborate to create systems that effectively solve problems by redesigning the entire system. His enduring legacy in teaching and consulting, including his innovative educational methods and significant consulting work with companies like Anheuser-Busch, is also acknowledged. The recency of this publication on a platform dedicated to systems thinking indicates that Ackoff's foundational ideas remain a relevant and actively discussed topic within this community.

Doug Belshaw's blog post on Open Thinkering, "TB871: Russell Ackoff as a systems thinking pioneer," published on July 13, 2024, offers a personal and insightful reflection on Ackoff's contributions. The post delves into Ackoff's philosophical approach, noting his preference for the term 'educator' over 'consultant,' emphasizing his belief in empowering individuals to discover their solutions. It also highlights his concept of a "mess" to describe complex, interacting problems and his advocacy for managing these messes holistically rather than through reductionist approaches. Ackoff's five-stage process for 'interactive planning,' including formulating the mess, ends planning, means planning, resource planning, and the design of implementation and control, is explained. The blog post also mentions Ackoff's introduction of the Data, Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom (DIKW) hierarchy and explores his views on the importance of fun and philosophy in work. This personal reflection in a blog format suggests that Ackoff's ideas resonate with individual thinkers and practitioners, extending beyond purely academic or professional contexts.

An article on the Deming Institute website, "Russell Ackoff: Solving Problems with an Appreciation for Systems," published on July 5, 2022, connects Ackoff's emphasis on understanding systems in problem-solving with the management philosophy of W. Edwards Deming. The article underscores the significance of appreciating how different system parts interact for effective and economical solutions. It references a video of Ackoff from 2004 where he discusses how understanding the interplay between system components allows targeted interventions to achieve desired outcomes. The article also touches upon Ackoff's perspective on corporate decision-making, suggesting that it is often driven by the desire to improve the standard of living and quality of life of the decision-makers, rather than solely by maximizing shareholder value. This connection to Deming's philosophy indicates a broader school of thought that values a holistic, systems-oriented management and quality improvement approach.

The blog post "Russell Ackoff Beyond Continual Improvement" on Articles of Interest, updated on April 13, 2024 (originally published in February 2021), focuses on Ackoff's distinction between continuous and discontinuous improvement.⁷ The post highlights Ackoff's argument that actual improvement often necessitates discontinuous change and a fundamental system redesign, rather than just incremental enhancements. It also emphasizes his view of quality encompassing effectiveness and value, not merely efficiency. This focus on discontinuous improvement suggests that Ackoff's more transformative ideas about organizational change remain relevant in discussions about achieving significant progress.

The Systems Thinker website features articles such as "A Lifetime of Systems Thinking" and "Why Few Organizations Adopt Systems Thinking," which delve into Ackoff's core principles. These articles reiterate Ackoff's assertion that improving the performance of individual parts of a system taken separately will not necessarily improve the performance of the whole. They also discuss his concept of dissolving problems by redesigning the entity or its environment to eliminate the problem. Furthermore, Ackoff's critiques of traditional education systems and the principal function of most corporations are presented, highlighting his often contrarian yet insightful perspectives. The continued availability of these foundational articles on a platform dedicated to systems thinking underscores the enduring relevance of Ackoff's fundamental ideas.

The Ackoff Center Weblog is a dedicated platform for discussions on systems thinking and references to Ackoff's work. The various posts, including reflections on his pioneering role, explanations of key concepts like "mess" and interactive planning, and discussions connecting his ideas to contemporary topics such as generative AI, highlight the ongoing engagement with his intellectual legacy. This dedicated online resource signifies a strong and sustained interest in Ackoff's contributions within the systems thinking community.

Analysis of Recent Academic Citations

Academic literature provides further evidence of Russell Ackoff's work's continued relevance. Recent scholarly articles cite his theories and concepts in various contexts, demonstrating their enduring influence on academic research.

Citations in Scholarly Articles

An article published in 2019 in the Journal of Applied Systems Analysis revisits and modifies Ackoff's data-information-knowledge-wisdom (DIKW) hierarchy, proposing the DIEK framework (Data, Information, Evidence, Knowledge). The author argues for de-emphasizing the wisdom component and inserting evidence between information and knowledge, reflecting the increasing importance of evidence-based practices in many fields. This modification of a foundational model suggests that while Ackoff's initial framework was highly influential, academic discourse continues to engage with and adapt his ideas to suit contemporary needs better.

The book section "Russell Ackoff" within the second edition of Systems Thinkers, published in 2020, recognizes Ackoff as a pioneer in applying systems approaches to management. The section emphasizes his strong advocacy for systems approaches to fully account for the complexity of interrelated problems, rather than offering simplistic technical solutions. Including a dedicated section on Ackoff in a relatively recent book about key figures in systems thinking underscores his recognized status as a foundational thinker in the field.

Ackoff's early work, The Design of Social Research, published in 1953, continues to be cited in contemporary academic research. A 2024 article in Economics references this work, demonstrating its enduring relevance to social science research methodologies. The continued citation of this methodological text highlights the lasting impact of Ackoff's contributions to how social research is conducted.

ResearchGate profiles showcase numerous publications that cite Ackoff's work across various disciplines. These citations include his early work in operations research, such as Introduction to Operations Research, co-authored with C. West Churchman and E. Leonard Arnoff, a foundational text in the field. Citations appear in diverse journals, including the Journal of the Operations Research Society of America, Management Science, and Philosophy of Science, and in research areas ranging from cloud computing and coastal fisheries to nursing home care. Notably, a 2002 article in the Academy of Management Learning and Education reflects on Ackoff's perspective on management education, and a 2021 work by Klunpaitoon supports findings related to personnel development.¹⁷ These diverse and ongoing citations underscore the broad and lasting influence of Ackoff's contributions to multiple fields.

A 2019 commentary utilizes Ackoff's concept of purposeful systems within the context of improving well-being in health professions' education and healthcare. The commentary also references Ackoff's interactive planning methodology, demonstrating the practical application of his systems thinking concepts to address complex challenges in the healthcare sector. Furthermore, a 2010 article discusses Ackoff's Interactive Planning methodology as a valuable tool for organizational development, ⁹, highlighting the enduring utility of this specific framework.

Ackoff's influence extends to curriculum design in higher education, as evidenced by the reference to his work about the Innovation Engineering program at the University of Maine. This indicates that his systems thinking and problem-solving ideas are foundational for fostering innovation in educational settings.

Discussions on Social Media and Professional Platforms

Social media platforms, particularly LinkedIn and Twitter, offer insights into how professionals and academics currently engage with Russell Ackoff's ideas.

Mentions on LinkedIn

Harald Kreher, in several LinkedIn posts around late 2018 and early 2019, reflected on Russell Ackoff's enduring legacy as a scholar, educator, and consultant. Kreher noted an increase in mentions and references to Ackoff on the platform and emphasized that systems thinking, as advocated by Ackoff, is more than just a tool or a theory; it is a mindset and a philosophy. This observation suggests a potential resurgence of interest in Ackoff's work among professionals.

A LinkedIn post promoting an episode of the Application Security Podcast on November 12, 2024, recommended Russell Ackoff's Systems Thinking for Curious Managers as a related resource. This indicates the relevance of Ackoff's work to contemporary professional discussions in cybersecurity, suggesting that his systems thinking principles can provide valuable insights beyond traditional management contexts.

A National Leadership Association bulletin shared on LinkedIn in July 2024 quoted Russell Ackoff: "A system is never the sum of its parts; it's the product of their interaction". This quote was used to frame a discussion about understanding and impacting interactions within systems in a leadership context, highlighting the enduring relevance of Ackoff's core systems thinking principles for leaders.

Similarly, a LinkedIn post about systems thinking and modern product development quoted Ackoff's same statement, emphasizing the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of components in creating successful products.

A LinkedIn post discussing the "obsession with measurement" mentioned Russell Ackoff alongside other prominent management thinkers like Peter Drucker and W. Edwards Deming, further solidifying his position as a significant contributor to the field.

Furthermore, a LinkedIn article recounted the author meeting Russell Ackoff when he gave a company lecture, providing a personal anecdote highlighting Ackoff's direct engagement with industry professionals and the practical application of his ideas in real-world organizational settings.

The 2012 Twitter blog posts mention that the author was led to discover Russell L. Ackoff through a tweet by B Marshall. This illustrates how social media can still facilitate the discovery of Ackoff's work by new audiences.

Several blog posts quote Ackoff's Twitter statements, such as "System is not a sum of the behavior of its parts; it's the product of their interactions" and his emphasis on "doing the right thing instead of doing things right." 28 These concise and impactful quotes resonate with contemporary organizational improvement and effectiveness discussions.

An article discussing data-driven decision-making referenced Ackoff's observation that "we fail more often because we solve the wrong problem than because we get the wrong solution to the right problem," highlighting the enduring relevance of his emphasis on proper problem formulation.

A comment on Hacker News mentioned Ackoff's encouragement for organizations to record all significant decisions in a discussion about decision journals, indicating the practical application of his advice on organizational learning in modern professional contexts.

A blog post used a cartoon featuring an Ackoff quote to illustrate the challenges of linear thinking when tackling complex problems, demonstrating the influence of his work on how we understand and communicate about complexity.

Mentions of Ackoff also appear in discussions about optimizing systems and the evolution of systems thinking, indicating the continued relevance of his core concepts within online communities interested in these areas.

A Twitter blog post about AI's limitations in insight-driven problem-solving referenced Ackoff's perspective on analytical thinking and reductionism, highlighting the application of his work to contemporary discussions about artificial intelligence.

Finally, a draft document shared on Twitter in 2025 referenced Ackoff, suggesting that his ideas are still being actively considered and incorporated into contemporary work related to systems thinking.

Recent Book Reviews and References

The continued availability and discussion of Russell Ackoff's books provide further evidence of his enduring influence.

Reviews of Ackoff's Books

Recent reviews of The Art of Problem Solving on Goodreads from 2019, 2020, and 2022 express appreciation for its insights into systems thinking and creative problem-solving. Reviewers note its continued relevance despite its original publication in 1978. A review from November 2024 indicates ongoing readership. This sustained positive reception underscores the timeless nature of Ackoff's insights.

Amazon reviews for Systems Thinking for Curious Managers include positive feedback from 2020 and 2021, praising its concise format and valuable wisdom for managers interested in systems thinking. The positive reception of this posthumously published work suggests the lasting impact of his final contributions.

Ackoff's books, including popular titles like Ackoff's Best, The Art of Problem Solving, and Systems Thinking for Curious Managers, remain widely available for purchase on platforms such as Amazon and World of Books, indicating a sustained demand from readers.

Websites like www-users.york.ac.uk and Goodreads provide summaries and discussions of several of Ackoff's key books, showcasing the breadth of his literary contributions and the diverse themes he addressed.

References to Ackoff in Reviews of Other Books

A review of Annie Vella's "2024 in Review" blog post mentions her deep immersion in the works of Deming, Ackoff, and Scholtes in 2024. This reflection highlights Ackoff's continued influence on contemporary thinkers and practitioners in systems thinking, leadership, and organizational design. It underscores the ongoing relevance of his work for those seeking a more profound understanding in these areas.

References from Academic Institutions and Research Centers

Academic institutions and research centers continue to reference and honor the contributions of Russell Ackoff.

University Programs and Initiatives

The Russell Ackoff Doctoral Student Fellowship Award at the Wharton Risk Management and Decision Processes Center at the University of Pennsylvania recognized recipients in 2021. This fellowship, named in Ackoff's honor, supports doctoral students pursuing research in decision-making under risk and uncertainty, demonstrating the enduring recognition of his academic contributions at his long-time institution.

The Ackoff Center for Advanced Systems Approaches (A-CASA) was established at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Engineering and Applied Science in 2000. While the available information is from its establishment, it confirms a long-term institutional commitment to advancing the field of systems thinking that Ackoff championed.

Case Western Reserve University, where Ackoff was also affiliated, launched its operations research program in 1953 with key faculty including Ackoff. Ackoff also co-authored Introduction to Operations Research, which is considered the first text on the subject. His involvement in establishing early operations research programs highlights his pivotal role in developing this field as an academic discipline.

Conclusion

The analysis of recent references to Russell Ackoff reveals his work's enduring and multifaceted impact across various platforms. His foundational ideas in systems thinking, operations research, and management science continue to be discussed, applied, and built upon in news articles, blog posts, academic publications, social media conversations, and book reviews. The consistent engagement with his concepts, sometimes even leading to their adaptation, underscores their continued relevance in addressing contemporary challenges. Furthermore, the ongoing recognition of his contributions by academic institutions through fellowships and dedicated centers ensures that his legacy will continue to influence future generations of scholars and practitioners. The potential for his principles to inform emerging fields like artificial intelligence suggests that Russell Ackoff's insights remain a valuable resource for navigating the complexities of the 21st century.

Table 1: Recent Blog Posts and Articles Referencing Russell Ackoff

Title	Source	Publication Date	Key Ackoff Concepts Discussed	Snippet ID
Russell Ackoff: A Visionary in Systems Thinking	Systems Thinking Alliance	June 11, 2024	Mess, Systems Analysis/Synthesis, Interactive Planning	2
TB871: Russell Ackoff as a systems thinking pioneer	Open Thinkering	July 13, 2024	Philosophy, Mess, Interactive Planning, DIKW, Fun in Work	3
Russell Ackoff: Solving Problems with an Appreciation for Systems	Deming Institute	July 5, 2022	Systems Perspective in Problem Solving, Interaction of Parts	5
Russell Ackoff: Beyond Continual Improvement	Articles of Interest	April 13, 2024	Continuous vs. Discontinuous Improvement, System Redesign	7
A Lifetime of Systems Thinking & Why Few Organizations Adopt...	The Systems Thinker	-	Improving Parts in Isolation (Fallacy), Dissolving Problems	8

Table 2: Recent Academic Citations of Russell Ackoff

Publication Title	Journal/Book	Publication Year	Ackoff's Work Cited	Context of Citation	Snippet ID
From data to wisdom (revisited as DIEK)	J Appl Syst Anal	2019	1989 paper on DIKW Hierarchy	Revisiting and Modifying the DIKW Hierarchy	14
Russell Ackoff	Systems Thinkers (Second Edition)	2020	Pioneering role in management	Emphasizing the complexity of interrelated problems	15
Moderating Role of Economic Development on Zakat Success Factors and Compliance: A Saudi Arabian Perspective	Economics	2024	The Design of Social Research	Relevance to contemporary social science research methodologies	16
Russell L. Ackoff	Academy of Management Learning and Education	2002	Influential in management thinking	Ackoff's perspective on management education	19
The development process was the steps for personnel development...	-	2021	-	Supporting findings related to personnel development	17

Table 3: Examples of Russell Ackoff Mentions on Social Media

Platform	Date (Implied)	Content/Key Themes	Snippet ID
LinkedIn	Late 2018/Early 2019	Legacy, Systems Thinking as Mindset	21
LinkedIn	November 12, 2024	Relevance of Systems Thinking for Curious Managers to Cybersecurity	23
LinkedIn	July 2024	Quote: Systems as Product of Interaction (National Leadership Association)	24
LinkedIn	-	Quote: Systems as Product of Interaction (Product Development Context)	25
Twitter	2012	Discovery of Ackoff's work via a tweet	28
Twitter	-	Quotes on Systems Thinking and Doing the Right Thing	28
Twitter	-	Quote on Solving the Wrong Problem (Data-Driven Decision-Making Context)	30
Twitter	-	Encouragement of Recording Decisions (Decision Journal Context)	31
Twitter	-	Quote in Cartoon: Linear Thinking vs. Complex Problems	32
Twitter	-	Mention in discussions about Optimizing Systems and Evolution of Systems Thinking	34
Twitter	-	Reference in blog post about AI lacking Insight-Driven Problem-Solving	36
Twitter	2025	Reference in draft document "2025SystemSeeingJournalDraft.pdf"	37

Russell Ackoff as a systems thinking pioneer

Posted on July 13, 2024 by Doug Belshaw

Russell Ackoff was a key figure in systems thinking who left an enduring impact through his innovative approaches and concepts. His work spanned various domains, from organisational theory to systems science, and he is well-known for his emphasis on holistic thinking and interactive planning. I mentioned his work in a previous post.

Ackoff didn’t like being called a ‘consultant’, preferring the term ‘educator’. He believed consultants impose solutions, whereas educators help people discover their own solutions. This distinction is a good example of his underlying philosophy of empowering individuals to solve their problems rather than providing predefined solutions (Ramage and Shipp, 2020, p. 141).

Ackoff embodied wholeness, seamlessly integrating complementary opposites. He combined forcefulness with kindness, illustrating the harmonious merging of seemingly contradictory qualities (Ibid., p. 142). He observed that society has moved from the machine age, which focused on analytical thinking, to the systems age, emphasising synthetic thinking and understanding wholes. He viewed all objects and experiences as parts of larger systems, reflecting a holistic perspective on the world (Ibid., pp. 143-144).

SYSTEMS THINKER Russell Ackoff: A Visionary in Systems Thinking

I use "mess" to represent an interacting set of problems, a system of problems, or any simple, single, narrow focus that won't solve them. The world's problems are an interacting, inextricably connected cluster of disorders that have eluded either resolution or solution thus far, chiefly because they are approached as single or isolated concerns, Russell L. Ackoff.

Key Points

• Russell Ackoff transformed our understanding of complex problems in systems thinking, significantly impacting both academia and practical applications.
• Russell Ackoff's contributions include the concept of 'mess,' which refers to interconnected organizational problems. He advocated for participatory planning to address these issues comprehensively.
• Ackoff promoted systems analysis and synthesis. Analysis breaks down complex systems into parts to understand their functions ('how'), while synthesis integrates these parts to comprehend the system as a whole, revealing its operational logic ('why').
• He proposed four ways of addressing problems and messes: Absolution, Resolution, Solution, and Dissolution, emphasizing the importance of dissolution (eliminating the problem by redesigning the system).
• Ackoff's interactive planning method focuses on 'idealized redesign,' involving all stakeholders in creating systems that effectively solve problems by redesigning the entire system.
• Russell Ackoff's legacy continues to shape modern management practices and academic research. His writings remain essential for understanding systems thinking and organizational theory. His ideas inspire holistic problem-solving and participatory approaches to organizational change, emphasizing stakeholder engagement and collaborative solutions.

Few names in management and organizational studies carry the weight and respect of Russell Ackoff. Widely known as "Russ," Ackoff is celebrated for pioneering the application of systems approaches to management. His work encompasses groundbreaking theoretical developments and hands-on practical engagements with a diverse array of organizations.

Ackoff's passionate advocacy for systems thinking emphasizes the importance of addressing the complexity of inter-related problems, rather than offering simplistic technical solutions. His contributions to the field are not only theoretical; they have practical implications that have transformed how organizations operate and solve problems.

A notable theorist, Ackoff has brought academic respectability to operations research and systems thinking. His key innovations in these areas have earned him a distinguished place in the annals of management science.

Join us as we delve deeper into Russell Ackoff's life and legacy, exploring his contributions to systems theory and their lasting impact on the world of management.

SYSTEMS THINKER Russell Ackoff: A Visionary in Systems Thinking

Wicked Is a Special Kind of Problem: What It Is and What to Do about It

By: Lisa Beutler

March 15, 2021

This paper delves into the concept of 'wicked problems,' initially defined by Horst Rittel as complex social issues with no definitive solutions. Drawing parallels with Russell Ackoff's idea of 'messes,' the paper argues that these problems, characterized by their interconnectedness, ambiguity, and human involvement, necessitate a shift from traditional problem-solving approaches to a more holistic, systems-thinking perspective. This highlights the complexity and depth of the issue.
Rittel's 10-point checklist offers a framework for identifying wicked problems, while Ackoff underscores the limitations of traditional operations research in addressing such complex situations. He argues that mess behavior is emergent and heavily reliant on the interactions between its components. This necessitates focusing on system-wide management and continuous adaptation, highlighting the problem's dynamic nature. The paper underscores the inadequacy of traditional, mechanistic approaches to water management, which frequently overlook the intricacy and interdependence of social and ecological systems. It emphasizes the imperative of a comprehensive and participatory approach that considers all stakeholders' values and perspectives, thereby highlighting the urgency and importance of the issue.

Wicked Is a Special Kind of Problem: What It Is and What to Do About It

 

Thoughts on Generative AI Related to Efficiency and Effectiveness

By John Willis

Russell Ackoff was an American organizational theorist, consultant, and professor known for his contributions to systems thinking and management science. He also worked closely with Dr. W. Edwards Deming. In his work, Ackoff delves into the intricate hierarchy of human cognition, emphasizing the critical distinction between efficiency and effectiveness in social-technical systems. Ackoff outlines a hierarchy of cognition that includes data, information, knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. He explains that while the first four elements focus on increasing efficiency, wisdom is uniquely associated with effectiveness. This distinction sets the stage for his critique of social-technical systems.

Drawing on Peter Drucker, Ackoff highlights the difference between doing things right (efficiency) and doing the right thing (effectiveness). He argues that an overemphasis on efficiency, especially when pursuing the wrong objectives, can lead to detrimental outcomes. This concept is a recurring theme in DevOps, DevSecOps, and SRE. 

Ackoff also describes errors of omission (not doing something necessary) and commission (doing something unnecessary or incorrect). In traditional management systems, errors of omission are often overlooked and more significant. One of my favorite examples of this idea was expressed by one of the early cloud pioneers Randy Bias. His quote said it’s not about bottom-line ROI but top-line ROI. 

Russell Ackoff passed away in 2009, which was a time when the field of Artificial Intelligence was going through a lull period, often referred to as the second AI winter. The significant advancements that led to an AI explosion in 2023/2024 were probably unknown to him then. However, it is intriguing to think about Dr. Russell L. Ackoff’s perspective on the present state of Generative AI. 

In my book, Deming’s Journey to Profound Knowledge, I pondered Deming’s thoughts on this subject. Additionally, if we take the liberty to extend our thoughts, what would Ackoff say about the nature of DevOps and Generative AI?

If we examine using a software repository for a retail business, we can apply what I describe as Ackoff’s “Hierarchy of Cognition.” Using a demo application created by a company I’ve been working with, OpenContext, we can illustrate how Ackoff’s cognition model and Generative AI can be traced in this pyramidal structure.

Thoughts on Generative AI Related to Efficiency and Effectiveness

Systems Thinking Glossary

Welcome to the Systems Thinking Glossary, your go-to resource for understanding essential terminology, vocabulary, definitions, and concepts in systems thinking. Whether you’re a novice eager to learn the basics or an experienced professional looking to deepen your knowledge, this glossary supports your journey. By exploring the interconnectedness and holistic approach inherent in systems thinking, our glossary helps you navigate complex systems and enhances your understanding of this transformative field.

Systems Thinking Glossary

 

 

 

 

Leadership development in aviation is vital.

Laurence B. Graham, Leadership development specialist and consultant, is a former senior check-check captain of the Airbus A350 / A340 / A330 Fleet in South Africa. With 25,000 flying hours, Laurence has extensive experience flying a wide range of aircraft, including the Boeing 747-400, Boeing 737-800, Airbus A350, A340, A330, and A300 series.

Laurence is talking about his career as an airline pilot and the importance of leadership development in the aviation industry.

"For me, one of the big things missing in aviation now is proper leadership development. Any young pilot starting an aviation career might think they're only joining an airline as a co-pilot or maybe even as a third pilot where they don't fly for a couple of years; they're just there as a relief pilot while the primary pilots are resting, but they should be learning their leadership skills because that's absolutely vital..."

Laurence B. Graham - Airline Pilot - Leadership development in aviation is vital.