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Understanding systems thinking in practice (STiP)
Understanding systems thinking in practice (STiP)

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1.2 Reflective practice

STiP is praxis – theory informed by action. Thinking and practice are of course integral. But it is this integral relationship between thinking and practice that demarcates systems practice as a distinct competence for making strategy or making change. Figure 2 illustrates the relationship in terms of a learning cycle using a simple causal-loop diagram.

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Figure 2 Causal-loop diagram illustrating the learning process associated with reflective practice
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A simple causal loop diagram with four causes linked sequentially into a simple loop. Verb phrases in quotes are labelled arrows in the diagram. Starting with Systems practice, the arrow leads to ‘reflection on practice’, ‘‘so I engage in’ systems thinking’, ‘‘which takes me to’ relevant systems of interest’, ‘‘which enables me to do’ systems practice’, which once again ‘leads me to’ reflection on practice [etc ad lib.]’

Figure 2 Causal-loop diagram illustrating the learning process associated with reflective practice