Soft Systems thinking

Abstract

The Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) was developed as a problem solving strategy for those faced with resolving highly complex and interrelated problem situations, where it is best to attempt to view the situation as a whole as opposed to restructuring it. Success with SSM depends more on our prior knowledge (systems concepts and systems thinking) and our experience than is the case with any of the other problem solving strategies described in this book. These factors suggest that SSM is more likely to be used by an ‘external’ consultant or team of consultants, than by someone within a group or organization. However Peter Checkland has recently demonstrated that SSM is equally useful to a manager going about normal day-to-day work as it is for a special high-lighted study (Checkland and Scholes, 1990).