Applying Systems Thinking and
Common Archetypes to Organizational Issues
Module 6: Systems Archetypes
Generic Feedback Loop Diagram
"Fixes That Backfire"
The symptom-correcting process is a balancing loop (top) - the system
is trying to correct a problem and return to stability. The vicious cycle,
which usually takes longer to have an impact, is the backfire. This is
the structure that leads to the problem recurring. The vicious cycle is
a reinforcing loop (outer).
Most "Fixes That Backfire" cases will display shifting loop dominance. For some period of time, one loop dominates and is the primary influence on the patterns that are observed.
