Joey,
Senge's tool for help us understand the interconnections of the system a
logical extension of Deming's plea that we know the impact on other parts
of the system before changing one part.
Deming followers in Japan and elsewhere certainly have demonstrated beyond
any doubt that knowing how all parts of the system interact is important.
Senge is giving us a new tool to use to help us think about systems.
Joel Barker has given us another called the implications wheel.
Ishikawa gave us the fishbone diagram which can be effective in aiding
discussion about what causes what in a system.
None of these tools are necessary in a one man autocratic management
system. They are only helpful in situations where we want to improve
communications and educate people.
Small companies have system problems just as large ones.
The size of the company is not relevant but the kind of manager is very
relevant. Autocrats do not want and won't use the input so they don't
think they need the help. This kind of help is not useful if the manager
believe his/her people are idiots. But if you believe improving everyone's
understanding of how things work will help then the tool is worth while.
Best of luck
Gene
At 08:28 AM 9/22/98 +0800, you wrote:
>Here is my case: I live in Hong Kong, and have been interested in Senge's
>5th Discipline for years, especially systems thinking(ST). Last year, I
>and my partners started lecturing the basics of ST. Moreover, I try to use
>the tool to analysis consumer trends for clients. One day, one of my
>partner, Ray, said that he do not believe in the helpfulness of ST, it is
>only a tool of know-why, but not a tool for creation and know-how, at
>least.
Eugene Taurman
interLinx ilx@execpc.com http://www.execpc.com/~ilx
What you are is determined by the thoughts that dominate your mind.
Paraphrase of Proverbs Ch 23 vs 7 KJV
--Eugene Taurman <ilx@execpc.com>
Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>