Systems-Oriented Intervention Framework
Systems-oriented intervention is suited to relevant, persistent problems with a well-known history and previous unsuccessful attempts at a solution.
THE IDEA
When to Use?
Problems suitable for systems-oriented intervention have the following features:
• The problem is relevant.
• The problem is persistent, not one-off.
• The issue is well known, and its history is well known.
• People have tried to solve the problem unsuccessfully before.
When to use it
Designing public policy for homelessness by analyzing interconnected factors like housing, employment, and healthcare.
Addressing systemic racism in institutions through changes in policies, incentives, and organizational culture.
Improving educational outcomes in underserved communities by considering family support, school funding, and community resources as a system.
Reducing healthcare costs by restructuring the system to focus on preventive care and addressing social determinants of health.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Climate Change
Climate change is a relevant, persistent problem with a well-known history. It has continued despite efforts such as international agreements and carbon taxes, making it a candidate for systems-oriented intervention.
Chronic Poverty
Chronic poverty in a region is persistent, widely recognized, and past solutions (e.g., aid programs, microloans) have often failed to produce lasting change, making it a suitable candidate for systems-level redesign.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Think of a recurring problem in your organization. Is it persistent and well-known? Have previous attempts failed? If so, how might a systems-oriented approach differ?
Identify a societal issue that meets all four criteria. What systems-level changes could address its root causes?
Why is it important that a problem has a well-known history before applying a systems intervention? How does that inform the analysis?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Thinking in Systems and Mental Models Think Like a Super Thinker (Dawson, Marcus P)