Organizational Theory and Soft Systems Methodologies

Examines soft systems methodologies(SSM) and the role they play in the building of a rich picture or rich understanding of problematic situations. Organizational theory is explored in relation to SSM and used to augment this rich picture building exercise, and the field of critical systems thinking is reviewed from the standpoint of enhancing the entire rich picture building process with reference to problems within human organizations. Finally, recommendations are made for managerial practice and development in relation to the effective conduct of rich picture building exercises.