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Critical systems practice 3: Intervene—Flexibly executing a multimethodological intervention

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  • Michael C. Jackson

Abstract

This is the third of a series of papers on the stages of critical systems practice. Critical systems practice is a multimethodology that seeks to employ the ideas of critical systems thinking to intervene in and improve complex real‐world problem situations. It has four stages—Explore (the problem situation), Produce (an intervention strategy), Intervene (flexibly) and Check (on progress)—called to mind as EPIC. The aim is to set out where thinking has reached on the best way to carry out each of these stages and to invite comment on what more needs doing. This paper discusses the third stage, Intervene. It is concerned with executing a flexible multimethodological intervention in accordance with the agreement reached by decision makers, and other stakeholders, at the end of the previous stage. The theoretical and practical problems associated with multimethodological interventions are discussed, and solutions and ways forward are suggested based on the philosophy of pragmatism.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael C. Jackson, 2022. "Critical systems practice 3: Intervene—Flexibly executing a multimethodological intervention," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 39(6), pages 1014-1023, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:srbeha:v:39:y:2022:i:6:p:1014-1023
    DOI: 10.1002/sres.2909
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Michael C. Jackson, 2021. "Critical systems practice 2: Produce—Constructing a multimethodological intervention strategy," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(5), pages 594-609, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Zhichang Zhu, 2022. "Paradigm, specialty, pragmatism: Kuhn's legacy to methodological pluralism," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 39(5), pages 895-912, September.

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