1st Edition
Holistic Flexibility for Systems Thinking and Practice
This book explores how the conceptual lens of Holistic Flexibility presents new advancements in systems thinking. Systems thinking is often associated with frameworks and methodologies that often confine the discipline to academic circles in operations research and management science (OR/MS). Holistic Flexibility for Systems Thinking and Practice challenges this status-quo and talks about systems thinking as a state of mind, giving it a cognitive character.
The book presents both theoretical deliberations and practitioner cases of Holistic Flexibility. The development of systems thinking in OR/MS is described leading to the latest debates on the subject and the key pillars of Holistic Flexibility are discussed in detail. A range of case studies are presented that offer a firsthand experience of Holistic Flexibility in practice. Learnings are drawn to highlight the importance of a spiritual approach in management, an understanding which is used to further develop the conceptual lens of Holistic Flexibility since it was first introduced. This book presents a range of competencies required for systems practitioners to address and respond to complex situations in an interconnected world.
A bold attempt to pragmatize systems thinking and systems practice, the ideas presented in this book weave a thread between the development of the discipline, current debates, and what lies ahead. It will be highly beneficial for OR/MS researchers and graduate students who are interested in systems thinking as well as researchers interested in connecting modern management thinking and Eastern mysticism.
PART I: SITUATING HOLISTIC FLEXIBILITY
1. The Journey of Systems Thinking
2. Pragmatizing Systems Thinking through Holistic Flexibility
3. Advancing Holistic Flexibility Drawing Inspiration from the Nataraja
PART II: REFLECTIONS ON PRACTICE
4. Sequential Application of Systems Methodologies in Health Management
5. Fortified Critical System Heuristics for the Development Sector
6. Methodological Flexibility in Organization Design
7. Systems Thinking as a Cognitive Skill
8. A Systemic Approach to Employee Wellbeing
9. Enriching the Consultancy Journey Through the Use of Metaphors
PART III: FUTURE DIRECTION
10. Future Directions in Systems Thinking, Practice, and Research
11. Conscious Systemic Leadership
12. Holistic Flexibility for Systems Thinking and Practice
Biography
Rajneesh Chowdhury holds an MA in Sociology from Jawaharlal Nehru University (India) and an MSc and PhD in Systems Thinking from the University of Hull Business School (UK). He is a distinguished professional with a rich background of applying systems thinking in management consulting, social impact, and strategic communications. His unique blend of skills and expertise places him at a fascinating intersection of various domains in the private, public, and third sectors. He has published extensively in several peer- reviewed international journals and he serves as the consultancy sector editor of Systems Research and Behavioral Science, the official journal of the International Federation for Systems Research. He has been appointed Fellow at the Centre for Systems Studies, University of Hull Business School (UK), for his continued contribution to systems thinking and practice.
Effective praxis in the realm of systems thinking is truly an art form that ties the pragmatic to the theoretical. Rajneesh Chowdhury is uniquely positioned to provide guidance and insights for the systems thinking community through his exposition of the five principles for systems practice in this book.
Dr Charles Robert Kenley, Professor of Engineering Practice - Purdue University, USA.
A bold attempt to reimagine systems thinking in the light of Eastern mysticism - an insightful and timely contribution to a new paradigm that is now coming to the fore.
Dr Josep M Coll, Professor of Strategy, Sustainability and Innovation - EADA Business School, Spain.
This work by Rajneesh Chowdhury is an imperative resource for managers and consultants operating in complex contexts that have interplay of multiple agencies. The book brings out the intricacies of decision-making in business situations and creates an argument for the systems approach, which is substantiated by the wide array of compelling case studies.
Dr Ruchi Tewari, Associate Professor - MICA Ahmedabad, India.
An excellent investigation of case studies using a systems thinking lens and methodologies. Insights and learnings drawn will be highly valuable for anyone working in development policies and systems change.
Dr Luis G Sambo, Former Regional Director for Africa - World Health Organization, Angola.
This book is written from a practitioner's perspective that makes the discussions real, relatable, and exciting. Challenges surfaced, solutions proposed and ideas presented are highly valuable for complex problem solving in the public sector.
Suhit Anantula, Director, Director of Policy and System Reform - Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Australia.
Rajneesh Chowdhury has brilliantly connected the practice of management consultancy with systems thinking. Weaving his consultancy experiences through case studies, his Holistic Flexibility model and now, Conscious Systemic Leadership, based on the Hindu philosophy of Shiva... brilliant is the only word that comes to mind.
Dr Deeanna Burleson, CEO - Full Spectrum Solutions, USA
A thoughtful and thought-provoking book to enhance the practice of systems thinking. The author’s principles for Holistic Flexibility in systems interventions address, with pragmatic insight, the key challenge of bringing about beneficial, responsible, and transformative organizational change.
Dr John Morecroft, Former Senior Fellow - Management Science and Operations, London Business School, UK
This book brings together an interesting array of theoretical deliberations and case studies in systems thinking, presented in the context of the latest developments in systems research. I highly recommend this book for postgraduate level students in business, management, and community operations research.
Dr Amanda J Gregory, Director - Centre for Systems Studies, University of Hull Business School, UK
An impressive exposition of systems thinking in a range of areas in diverse sectors. This book is pinned on application of highly sophisticated ideas in systems theory.
Vivek P Rana, Co-Founder – Gnothi Seauton, India
Rajneesh brings a necessary call to develop Conscious Systemic Leadership in our technologically connected and interdependent dynamic world. This is a highly valuable read for both researchers and managers working in systems change.
Dr Delia Pembrey MacNamara, Assistant Director Research - Services Australia, Australia
Rajneesh Chowdhury’s contribution to bringing systems thinking into daily practice is laudable, exactly because this is so needed now, as our myriad existing systems are losing coherence and relevance. From metaphysical tradition to grass-roots empowerment, Holistic Flexibility for Systems Thinking and Practice is hopeful and real.
Stefano Semprini, Transition Facilitator and Co-Director - BiomimicrySA, South Africa
