Applying Systems Thinking and
Common Archetypes to Organizational Issues

Module 2: Organizational Learning and Systems Thinking Framework

Example: "On to the Next Crisis!"
Events/Patterns/Structure Iceberg

You can use the iceberg model to look at an issue on many levels. At the surface level, events can seem unrelated. When we look a little deeper, we can start to see the connections and opportunities for improving performance. In this example, a company has experienced a number of accidents and safety incidents.

Events/Patterns/Structure Worksheet

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1. Events - Tell the Story

  • Two fires and a fatal fall in the Essex plant in 1990.
  • Sam Johnson appointed as new Head of Safety in June 1990.
  • Company-wide launch of new safety program Q4 of 1990.
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2. Patterns - Draw the Graphs

  • Emphasis on safety increases in 1990-92, then decreases.
  • Accidents decrease from 1991-93, then increase.

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3. Structure - Identify the Cause & Effect Relationships

Accidents lead to safety programs. Programs reduce accidents, and this takes the pressure off and reduces the emphasis on safety. On to the next crisis!

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It's no surprise that accidents prompt more safety programs, which in turn reduce accidents. Is it possible that a reduction in accidents would prompt the company to decrease safety programs? This seems to be an hypothesis worth testing. It might lead the team to consider why safety (or quality, or mentoring, or diversity) programs and initiatives should remain in place even after the problem seems to have lessened.