Facing Complexity: The Crucial Role of Systemic Thinking in Public Service

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.

By Mauricio Covarrubias
June 14, 2024

The concern for the systemic approach in the field of public service is not new and has been addressed by various academics over time. From the pioneering contributions of Ludwig von Bertalanffy in the 1950s, who introduced the concept of “open systems” in general systems theory, to the more recent research of thinkers like Peter Senge and Donella Meadows, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of systemic thinking in understanding and managing complexity in public service.

The incorporation of the systems approach in the training of public servants is a fundamental aspect for addressing the complex and multifaceted challenges facing public administration today. In an interconnected and constantly changing world, where issues of public health, environment, education, economy and other areas require comprehensive and sustainable solutions, systemic thinking emerges as an essential tool for understanding the complexity of these problems and designing effective policies.

First, it is important to note that contemporary problems cannot be addressed in isolation or fragmentation, as interactions between different factors and actors can have significant and often unforeseen impacts. For example, in the case of obesity, factors such as the availability of healthy foods, physical activity, urban environment, food advertising, education and culture play a crucial role in the prevalence of this disease. A systems approach allows analyzing these interrelationships and designing interventions that address multiple aspects in a coordinated manner.

Furthermore, training in systemic thinking enables public servants to identify and understand the underlying structures and dynamics that generate social and health problems. By analyzing systems as a whole, strategic intervention points can be identified that have a significant impact on problem resolution. For example, by applying a systems approach in urban planning, healthier cities can be designed that promote physical activity, healthy eating and social interaction, thus contributing to the prevention of obesity and other chronic diseases.

Another relevant aspect is the ability of systemic thinking to anticipate and manage the inherent uncertainty and complexity in decision-making in the public domain. Public servants face situations where simple and linear solutions are not effective, and where the consequences of policies can be difficult to foresee. In this sense, the systems approach provides tools such as modeling, simulation and scenario analysis that allow evaluating the impact of different policies before their implementation, thus minimizing risks and maximizing benefits.

Additionally, training in systemic thinking fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and the participation of multiple stakeholders in solving complex problems. Current challenges require the integration of diverse knowledge and perspectives, as well as cooperation between different sectors and actors to achieve effective and sustainable results. By providing public servants with skills in systemic thinking, the building of multidisciplinary teams and the creation of collaboration networks that enrich the policy formulation process and program implementation are promoted.

On the other hand, the inclusion of the systems approach in the training of public servants contributes to continuous improvement and innovation in public management. By promoting an organizational culture oriented towards reflection, learning, and adaptation, the capacity of public institutions to address emerging challenges and respond effectively to the demands of society is promoted. Systemic thinking stimulates creativity and the search for novel solutions, encouraging public servants to question assumptions, explore new ideas and experiment with innovative approaches.

The approach to addressing complex challenges in public service requires concrete actions that foster systemic thinking. It is suggested to establish specialized training programs that include modules dedicated to systems thinking, both in-person and virtual, to train public servants in the analysis of complex systems and the application of interdisciplinary approaches. Additionally, the cross-cutting integration of systems thinking into the curriculum of public servant training, by reviewing and adapting syllabi to address systemic thinking principles and tools in relevant areas such as public administration and public policies, is proposed. Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, implementing systemic analysis tools, fostering innovation and experimentation, as well as establishing mechanisms for continuous evaluation and feedback, are also key actions to strengthen the capacity of public service in effectively and collaboratively managing complex challenges, for the benefit of society.

In conclusion, the integration of the systems approach in the training of public servants is essential to strengthen the capacity of the public sector to address the complex and urgent challenges facing society today. By providing public servants with skills in systemic thinking, more effective, collaborative and results-oriented management in public administration is promoted. Training in systemic thinking not only improves the analytical capacity and decision-making of public servants but also fosters an organizational culture based on innovation, collaboration and continuous learning. Amid increasing complexity and change, the systems approach emerges as an indispensable tool for building a more efficient, transparent and welfare-oriented public sector.

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Author: Mauricio Covarrubias is Professor at the National Institute of Public Administration in Mexico.  He is co-founder of the International Academy of Political-Administrative Sciences (IAPAS).  He is the founder and Editor of the International Journal of Studies on Educational Systems (RIESED). Member of the National System of Researchers of CONACYT.  He received his Ph.D. from the National Autonomous University of Mexico.  He can be reached at [email protected] and followed on Twitter @OMCovarrubias

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