Systemic intervention

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Systemic intervention is a deliberate operation by intervening agents that seeks people to make alterations in their lives [1] [2] in psychology. This analyses how people deal with challenges in the contemporary era, including their power relations and how they reform relationship with others. [2] Midgley ventured new approach to systems philosophy and social theory that could develop variety usage of the multiple strands of systemic thinking to systemic intervention. [3] Scientific methods could be used as a segment of the intervention practice. [4] However, it does not deal with all of the problems of systemic thinking as well as the science complexity.

Contents

Systemic Intervention Models

Systemic Intervention Models looks for the awareness of other agents with the focus of counteracting issues with professionalisation when applicable. [1] [3] These agents could be identified as an individual person or a group of society who has the intentions accredited to them. [3] This group does not have to share an equivalent purpose to the systemic intervention however requires a dominant intention at group-degree meaning. The action of degrading disempowerment effects and exposing agents to professional imagery broaden peoples perspective on the possibilities of developing reflective knowledge and change. [2]

Systemic intervention encompasses action for change through a scientific perspective. [5] [6] Individuals view the world as interconnected with everything but with boundaries which are the limits to what humans are incapable of exploring. [7] The theory of Systemic Intervention Models was derived from four perspectives in which are the structuralist, community psychology, deconstruction, interpretive systemology and critical system thinking. [4] Through this, nine basis that will form the ideal Systemic Intervention Models was established.

The nine criteria are:

Critical Systems Thinking

Critical systems thinking is a systemic intervention's approach in which it is based on the systems thinking framework. [5] According to Gerald Midgley, critical systems thinking is based on three 'themes for debate' for further research which are the improvement, critical awareness and methodological pluralism. [1] However, Flood and Jackson disagreed saying that it should be called 'commitments' instead of 'themes for debate' in which Midgley was against as the word commitment implicates uncritical recognition. 'Themes for debate' explains how there are different perspectives to make it more vital and also critical engagement with various understandings within the research associations. [1] Often referred as desire to change or development, improvement is the fundamental focus for systemic intervention. Improvement can be made by the subjects when ambitions to behaviour or physical transformation during intervention is recognised by the agent. [3] Different stakeholders might have various views on what elements incorporate improvement. [3] Sustainable improvement is when the positive change is made to possible indefinite future without the presence of undesired ramifications. It is important to support the improvement of critical awareness in which will allow the problems of different views on systemic intervention to be identified and also concerns on power during identifying process to be solved. [1] Critical awareness tends to be associated with boundary judgements of what and whose perspectives are to be included in the research for systemic intervention.

Methodology Approach Approach methodology.png
Methodology Approach

Methodological Pluralism

Due to the various approaches used for systemic intervention that are derived from aggregation of paradigms and developed for different uses, this variety is then concluded together to intensify its adaptability and efficiency in its systemic intervention performance. [1] Methodological pluralism is essential to be embraced by the system practitioners as there are substantial sources from the various systemic interventions and methodologies have been created during the 20th century therefore it is a critical thinking for systemic intervention. [2] Additionally, methods and methodologies epitomise various theoretical assumptions in which options between methods and theories could propose which methods is the most fitting [3]

There are two kinds of methodological pluralism. First is learning from other methodologies to inform one's own. [5] This allows every agents to have the capability to cultivate their own research analysis continuously by seeing methodological as vital and evolving. [6] Furthermore, these agents could study others' developing research therefore they do not have to compete against one another.

The second kind of methodological pluralism is drawing upon and incorporation of other methodologies. [5] This kind would result in increased flexibility and responsiveness to the systemic intervention action. Through this methodological pluralism, the various methods of systemic intervention models can be discovered and explored and hence will allow agents to strengthen their thinking resource for the systemic intervention. [7]

Boundary Critiques

The theory of boundary is to individualise the limits of what elements should be included and excluded in the analysis of systemic intervention. The terminology of boundary critiques was found by Ulrich in 1983 in which was used to refer to his own methodological practice. [2] Ulrich stated that boundary critique should include the justification of the choices and should be rational. The systemic intervention is built upon the reflection of the boundary. [1] [5] This is because not everything in the universe are interconnected with others hence there are limits to what a person can do or view to a problematic phenomena. Thus, "systemic intervention is purposeful action by an agent to create change in relation to reflection on boundaries". The theory of boundary critiques illustrates the vital relationship between boundary and value judgement created by agents. [2] This value judgement derived from the boundary, deciding on who is to be consulted and involved as well as what issues are comprised in the systemic intervention action. [3] The most ethical systemic intervention groundwork practice is by expanding the boundary so that additional stakeholders beliefs and concerns would be accounted for. [1] [4]

However, Ulrich disagreed by saying that boundaries are difficult to pushed out due to the time, resources and other restraints that could interfere. [1] [5] He emphasised that boundary critiques are required to include the justifications of options between the boundaries and have a be a rational operations. [7] All concerns are expressed through language in which is a fundamental tool for communication in the systemic intervention. [5] [4] The boundary judgments is legitimately rational only if acknowledged upon communicating together with the people involved in the intervention causing stakeholder participation to be very vital for decision making process to the boundary critiques.

Marginalisation Model

Due to the boundaries of knowledge, we reflect on it by considering marginalisation. [5] The theory of marginalisation is concluded from different value judgement and boundaries will cause collusion within the groups of stakeholders or issues [1] [6] where they might be devalued or worse, obliterated. The marginalisation model will be standardised when the concerns and stakeholders are being marginalised. [2] The process of marginalisation is significant to systemic intervention as it comprehensively analyses the critiques based on local situations by addressing the concerns with power and participation that have been neglected.

According to Midgley, when conflict between the stakeholders occurs due to the different limitations of boundary, the stakeholders may recognise two different types of boundaries. [1] First is the primary boundaries or also known as narrower boundaries and another is secondary boundaries or also known as the wider one. This generates a liminal room between the two different boundaries in which therefore possess the marginalised components being the people and the concerns. Consequently, this process allows the sustainability of vital cohesion through the acknowledgement of 'sacred' and 'profane' conditions to the marginalised components which will augment the primary boundary when marginalised components are considered as 'profane' as well as when the secondary is regarded as 'sacred'. [1] The standpoint will then be overlaid with societal custom that is meant to symbolically express and strengthen the stereotypes of 'sacredness' and 'profanity' set on the marginalised stakeholders and concerns.

Gap between Current Theory and Practice

According to Gregory Bateson, the Systemic Intervention model is insufficient as there are inadequacy and uncertain hazards of the positive intentions behind the intervention. [3] Churchman also had written about the lack of rational study and described the Systemic Intervention model as a meta-rational approach where people recognise both the rational and non-rational attitudes of themselves. [4]

Extended epistemology of Heron and Reason could provide a better understanding with the inclusion of compatible elements of knowledge beyond the rational approach and might be constitute the meta-rational approach. [3] A framework that addresses the gap is developed in which mentions four fundamentals of knowing being the experiential knowing, presentational knowing, propositional knowing and practical knowing.

Experiential knowing describes about the direct meeting where they usually are face-to-face. [3] This allows the knowing through attendance, engagement and dynamic resonance of reality. Presentational knowing is derived from experiential knowing where the resonance is symbolised with images, vocal, verbal art illustrations, etc. [4] This reflects the experiential knowing through the analogy use of creative making. Propositional knowing is the conceptual elements in context. [4] [3] For instances, knowledge by characterisation of process, entity, energy, etc. Practical knowing describes the subject knowing how to complete a task based on their competences. This is very significant as it shows the conceptual understanding, practice paradigm as well as experiential base during operation.

Examples

Systemic Intervention for Family

Family Therapy Clinic Family Works - Family Therapy Clinic - VSU.JPG
Family Therapy Clinic

In Systemic Intervention for family, people are encouraged to attend therapy and recovery camps to intervene their problems. [8] [9] The agents purposely made aware people aware of the intervention unlike a traditional intervention, allowing them to have the choice as to whether they want to attend or not, therefore they have more control of the willingness to participate. [8] Generally, the agent will have several sessions with the subject and his / her family members.

An example of the systemic intervention for family is helping family member who abuse the use of either alcohol or drugs substances. Often, the family member and the addict will participate in the counselling where the addict will join alcohol and drug treatment programs whilst the other family members will attend therapy sessions in which the addict will take part in after completing its recovery program. [8] This systemic intervention allows the better family relationship as they will learn to understand one another such as how their behaviour affect the other person, through the therapy. [9] Furthermore, since the addicts have control of their own participation due to the awareness of the intervention hence eradicate the need to force them, there will be a high probable of them changing for the better and is a systemic intervention.

Related Research Articles

Rational choice theory refers to a set of guidelines that help understand economic and social behaviour. The theory originated in the eighteenth century and can be traced back to political economist and philosopher, Adam Smith. The theory postulates that an individual will perform a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether an option is right for them. It also suggests that an individual's self-driven rational actions will help better the overall economy. Rational choice theory looks at three concepts: rational actors, self interest and the invisible hand.

Rationality is the quality of being guided by or based on reasons. In this regard, a person acts rationally if they have a good reason for what they do or a belief is rational if it is based on strong evidence. This quality can apply to an ability, as in rational animal, to a psychological process, like reasoning, to mental states, such as beliefs and intentions, or to persons who possess these other forms of rationality. A thing that lacks rationality is either arational, if it is outside the domain of rational evaluation, or irrational, if it belongs to this domain but does not fulfill its standards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Applied philosophy</span> Branch of philosophy

Applied philosophy is a branch of philosophy that studies philosophical problems of practical concern. The topic covers a broad spectrum of issues in environment, medicine, science, engineering, policy, law, politics, economics and education. The term was popularised in 1982 by the founding of the Society for Applied Philosophy by Brenda Almond, and its subsequent journal publication Journal of Applied Philosophy edited by Elizabeth Brake. Methods of applied philosophy are similar to other philosophical methods including questioning, dialectic, critical discussion, rational argument, systematic presentation, thought experiments and logical argumentation.

Program evaluation is a systematic method for collecting, analyzing, and using information to answer questions about projects, policies and programs, particularly about their effectiveness and efficiency.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Systems science</span> Study of the nature of systems

Systems science, also referred to as systems research, or, simply, systems, is an interdisciplinary field concerned with understanding systems—from simple to complex—in nature, society, cognition, engineering, technology and science itself. The field is diverse, spanning the formal, natural, social, and applied sciences.

Soft systems methodology (SSM) is an organised way of thinking that's applicable to problematic social situations and in the management of change by using action. It was developed in England by academics at the Lancaster Systems Department on the basis of a ten-year action research programme.

Systems philosophy is a discipline aimed at constructing a new philosophy by using systems concepts. The discipline was first described by Ervin Laszlo in his 1972 book Introduction to Systems Philosophy: Toward a New Paradigm of Contemporary Thought. It has been described as the "reorientation of thought and world view ensuing from the introduction of "systems" as a new scientific paradigm".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heterodox economics</span> Economic theories that contrast with orthodox schools of economic thought

Heterodox economics is any economic thought or theory that contrasts with orthodox schools of economic thought, or that may be beyond neoclassical economics. These include institutional, evolutionary, feminist, social, post-Keynesian, ecological, Austrian, complexity, Marxian, socialist, and anarchist economics.

Feminist philosophy is an approach to philosophy from a feminist perspective and also the employment of philosophical methods to feminist topics and questions. Feminist philosophy involves both reinterpreting philosophical texts and methods in order to supplement the feminist movement and attempts to criticise or re-evaluate the ideas of traditional philosophy from within a feminist framework.

Epistemology or theory of knowledge is the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature and scope (limitations) of knowledge. It addresses the questions "What is knowledge?", "How is knowledge acquired?", "What do people know?", "How do we know what we know?", and "Why do we know what we know?". Much of the debate in this field has focused on analyzing the nature of knowledge and how it relates to similar notions such as truth, belief, and justification. It also deals with the means of production of knowledge, as well as skepticism about different knowledge claims.

Robert Louis (Bob) Flood is a British organizational scientist, former Professor of Management Sciences at the University of Hull, specialized in applied systemic thinking, particularly in the areas of strategic management, organizational behavior and organizational improvement.

Boundary critique (BC) is the concept in critical systems thinking that, according to Ulrich (2002), states that "both the meaning and the validity of professional propositions always depend on boundary judgments as to what 'facts' (observation) and 'norms' are to be considered relevant" or not.

Critical systems thinking (CST) is a systems approach designed to aid decision-makers, and other stakeholders, improve complex problem situations that cross departmental and, often, organizational boundaries. CST sees systems thinking as essential to managing multidimensional 'messes' in which technical, economic, organizational, human, cultural and political elements interact. It is critical in a positive manner because it seeks to capitalize on the strengths of existing approaches while also calling attention to their limitations. CST seeks to allow systems approaches such as systems engineering, system dynamics, organizational cybernetics, soft systems methodology, critical systems heuristics, and others, to be used together, in a responsive and flexible way, to maximize the benefits they can bring.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christopher Stonebanks</span>

Dr. C. Darius Stonebanks is a multiple award-winning Professor of Education with an international reputation in the areas of Action Research, Narrative Inquiry, Critical Methodologies, Secularism, Islamophobia, Anti-Racism, Social Justice, and Transformative Praxis. He has worked in Montreal’s inner-city elementary schools, the James Bay Cree territories as a CEGEP instructor and as the Director of a Community Campus dedicated to lifelong learning in Malawi. As an immigrant to Canada at a young age, with parents born in Iran and Egypt, Dr. Stonebanks uses his understandings as a racialized, visible minority to build capacity in those who are otherwise excluded from natural human rights in public spaces, such as Education. He is deeply committed to further opening Canada’s higher education to the next generation of BIPOC academics, researchers, and leaders. His latest honour was the 2022 Congress of Qualitative Inquiry “Career Award”.

Systemic development is a process of thinking about development which uses a systems thinking approach to create a solution to a social, environmental, and economic stress which the world is suffering from.

Cognitive-experiential self-theory (CEST) is a dual-process model of perception developed by Seymour Epstein. CEST is based around the idea that people operate using two separate systems for information processing: analytical-rational and intuitive-experiential. The analytical-rational system is deliberate, slow, and logical. The intuitive-experiential system is fast, automatic, and emotionally driven. These are independent systems that operate in parallel and interact to produce behavior and conscious thought.

DSRP is a theory and method of thinking, developed by systems theorist and cognitive scientist Derek Cabrera. It is an acronym that stands for Distinctions, Systems, Relationships, and Perspectives. Cabrera posits that these four patterns underlie all cognition, that they are universal to the process of structuring information, and that people can improve their thinking skills by learning to use the four elements explicitly.

Gerald Robert Midgley is a British organizational theorist, professor of systems thinking, director of the Centre for Systems Studies at the University of Hull, and past president (2013-2014) of the International Society for the Systems Sciences. He is known for his work on "Systemic Intervention;" which he defined as "purposeful action by an agent to create change in relation to reflection upon boundaries."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ray Ison</span>

Raymond L. (Ray) Ison is an Australian-British cybernetician, systems scholar/scientist, and Professor of Systems at the Open University in the UK. He is currently President of the International Federation for Systems Research (IFSR). He was also Professor Systems for Sustainability at Monash University, and fellow at the Centre for Policy Development, and President of the International Society for the Systems Sciences in the year 2014-15. He is known for his work on systems praxeology within rural development, sustainable management, systemic governance and the design and enactment of learning systems.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Problem structuring methods</span>

Problem structuring methods (PSMs) are a group of techniques used to model or to map the nature or structure of a situation or state of affairs that some people want to change. PSMs are usually used by a group of people in collaboration to create a consensus about, or at least to facilitate negotiations about, what needs to change. Some widely adopted PSMs include soft systems methodology, the strategic choice approach, and strategic options development and analysis (SODA).

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Rajagopalan, Raghav; Midgley, Gerald (September 2015). "Knowing Differently in Systemic Intervention: Knowing Differently in Systemic Intervention" (PDF). Systems Research and Behavioral Science. 32 (5): 546–561. doi:10.1002/sres.2352.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Ison, Ray (2010), "Systemic Intervention", Systems Practice: How to Act in a Climate-Change World, Springer London, pp. 283–300, doi:10.1007/978-1-84996-125-7_12, ISBN   9781849961240
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Boyd, Alan; Brown, Mandy; Midgley, Gerald (2004), Midgley, Gerald; Ochoa-Arias, Alejandro (eds.), "Systemic Intervention for Community OR: Developing Services with Young People (Under 16) Living on the Streets", Community Operational Research: OR and Systems Thinking for Community Development, Contemporary Systems Thinking, Springer US, pp. 203–252, doi:10.1007/978-1-4419-8911-6_10, ISBN   9781441989116
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Midgley, Gerald; Ochoa-Arias, Alejandro E. (2001-10-01). "Unfolding a Theory of Systemic Intervention". Systemic Practice and Action Research. 14 (5): 615–649. doi:10.1023/A:1011977220479. ISSN   1573-9295. S2CID   142817504.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Midgley, Gerald (2003-04-01). "Science as Systemic Intervention: Some Implications of Systems Thinking and Complexity for the Philosophy of Science". Systemic Practice and Action Research. 16 (2): 77–97. doi:10.1023/A:1022833409353. ISSN   1573-9295. S2CID   145410438.
  6. 1 2 3 Midgley, Gerald. Systemic intervention. University of Hull. Business School. Hull. ISBN   9781906422325. OCLC   909308284.
  7. 1 2 3 Systems concepts in evaluation : an expert anthology. Williams, Bob., Imam, Iraj., American Evaluation Association. Point Reyes, CA: EdgePress of Inverness. 2007. ISBN   9780918528216. OCLC   186963445.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  8. 1 2 3 Smock, Sara A.; Froerer, Adam S.; Blakeslee, Sara E. (July 2011). "Systemic Interventions in Substance-Abuse Treatment: Past, Present, and Future". Journal of Family Psychotherapy. 22 (3): 177–192. doi:10.1080/08975353.2011.602613. ISSN   0897-5353. S2CID   71510724.
  9. 1 2 Messent, Philip (2017-05-12), "Systemic and Family Approaches to Intervention", in Skuse, David; Bruce, Helen; Dowdney, Linda (eds.), Child Psychology and Psychiatry, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, pp. 371–377, doi:10.1002/9781119170235.ch41, ISBN   9781119170235


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