The field of systems thinking may be in the midst of a sea change event—a 'fourth wave' predicated on the search to identify universal patterns that unify the diversity of frameworks and methods in the field as well as, perhaps, knowledge and disciplines in general. It is critically important that the field of systems thinking resolve what Bateson called a 'double bind' between a diversity of methods and the universality of patterns that underlies them. Furthermore, the best candidate theories, grounded in evidence, must be vetted and reviewed. JoST's Special Issue on Diversity and Unity will frame the debate. Thus, we issue a Call for Papers—an open and invited call for papers responding to the paper:

Cabrera, D., Cabrera, L. and Midgley, G. (2021) The Four Waves of Systems Thinking. In, Routledge Handbook of Systems Thinking, (Eds) Cabrera, D., Cabrera, L. and Midgley, G. Routledge. London, UK. 

  • We are inviting notable experts on the topic as well as providing an open, general call for response papers.
  • Submissions can be of any length up to 8000 words.
  • Using this form, you must notify us that you intend to submit a paper by May 30, 2021 (this takes less than one minute).
  • Rolling submission closes August 30, 2021. 
  • To Submit to our Special Issue access the target paper here and submit your paper here.

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