Critical Systems Thinking : Current Research and Practice

This volume offers comprehensive treatment of the latest developments in critical systems thinking and practice. The book features contributions by researchers at the prestigious Centre for Systems Studies at the University of Hull, England. The emphasis is on rigorous analysis of the wide range of approaches to problem solving reported in the research literature. This work will enhance the studies of researchers and students in the areas of systems problem solving, action research, management science, and operational research. Front Matter....Pages i-5 Front Matter....Pages 7-9 What Is This Thing Called CST?....Pages 11-24 The Ideal of Unity and the Practice of Pluralism in Systems Science....Pages 25-36 Dealing with Diversity....Pages 37-61 A Foucauldian Reflection on Critical Systems Thinking....Pages 63-79 Diversity Management....Pages 81-92 Front Matter....Pages 93-94 Total Systems Intervention....Pages 95-115 TSI as Critique....Pages 117-139 Critical Creativity and Total Systems Intervention....Pages 141-163 Critical Systems Thinking for Citizens....Pages 165-178 Systems Methodologies and Intervention....Pages 179-194 A Framework for Assessing Participation....Pages 195-213 Front Matter....Pages 215-216 TSI in North Yorkshire Police....Pages 217-234 Two Perspectives in a Voluntary Organization....Pages 235-250 Reflections on an Action Research Project....Pages 251-271 Economic Recession and Self-Deceptions....Pages 273-296 Conclusion Preserving a Taste for Research and Practice without Recipes....Pages 297-298 Back Matter....Pages 299-301 Overview: A Taste For Research And Practice -- Ch. 1. What Is This Thing Called Cst? / Gerald Midgley -- Ch. 2. The Ideal Of Unity And The Practice Of Pluralism In Systems Science / Gerald Midgley -- Ch. 3. Dealing With Diversity / Wendy Gregory -- Ch. 4. A Foucauldian Reflection On Critical Systems Thinking / Nestor Valero-silva -- Ch. 5. Diversity Management: Theory In Action / Robert L. Flood And Norma R.a. Romm -- Ch. 6. Total Systems Intervention: Local Systemic Intervention / Robert L. Flood -- Ch. 7. Tsi As Critique: The Critical Review Mode / Jennifer Wilby -- Ch. 8. Critical Creativity And Total Systems Intervention / Gillian Ragsdell -- Ch. 9. Critical Systems Thinking For Citizens / Werner Ulrich. Edited By Robert L. Flood And Norma R.a. Romm. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.