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Links Between Systems Thinking and Complex Problem Solving-Further Evidence

There is a widely held belief that systems thinking is an answer to the increasing complexity of the environments in which we live and function. Despite strong assertions, however, the relationship between systems thinking and complex problem solving has received slight attention in the literature. Using Richmond’s (1997) sevenclassification scheme as the theoretical base, this paper investigates the link between systems thinking and complex problem solving. The Verbal Protocol Analysis (VPA) methodology was used to gather and analyse the empirical data. The findings of the study indicate that while the degree of systems thinking does matter, in fact, it is certain types of systemic thinking that are more relevant to performance. Further, evidence shows that subject’s approach to the problem is also a highly pertinent factor in task performance in that better performers displayed a distinctive pattern of thought that differed from that of the worse performers. Better performing subjects attempted to gain understanding of the system structure before they proceeded to develop strategies and take action. The findings also revealed a cyclical thought pattern that was consistently followed by better performing participants. This pattern, termed the CPA cycle, consists of three distinct phases of conception, planning, and action. This research contributes to both fields of systems thinking and complex problem solving. Specific contributions include novel research methodology and in particular operationalization of systems thinking paradigm, as well as identification of disintegrated factors affecting complex problem solving.