Soft System
10
Soft Systems and Hard Contradictions*
Lars Mathiassen Peter A. Nielsen
Abstract. Checkland 's Soft Systems Methodology for defining and solving problems in organizations is presented on the basis of an application of the methodology. In many ways this approach represents an improvement in relation to more traditional approaches to computer-based information systems. Based on an experiment we explore the possibilities of combining the practical usefulness of soft systems thinking with the analytical power offered by dialectical thinking. Soft Systems Methodology already shares several basic elements with dialectical approaches to social theory and action. It does not, however, include the key element of dialectical analysis: explicit thinking in terms of contradictions. The paper presents experiences, ideas and arguments, but it contains no final answers. At this stage it is our intention to engage others in critical and constructive reflection on further developments of Soft Systems Methodology and on dialectical approaches to computer-based information systems in organizations. Keywords: computer-based information systems, Soft Systems Methodology, dialectics, contradiction.
273 * Published as: Soft Systems and Hard Contradictions - Approaching the Reality of Information Systems in Organizations. L. Mathiassen & P. A. Nielsen. In: Journal of Applied Systems Analysis, Vol. 16, 1989.
DEVELOPING SYSTEMS
1.
Introduction
Checkland 's Soft Systems Methodology, SSM (Checkland 1981) has in general proved powerful as a systemic approach to organizational change, cf. (Checkland 1985). Therefore, it is only natural to consider SSM as a more specific approach to computer-based information systems in organizations (Wilson 1982; Schäfer et al. 1986), Within information systems we are confronted with challenges on several levels. Our first and most deep concern is the use of information systems in organizations. On this level SSM can be used to analyze,
Soft Systems and Hard Contradictions*
Lars Mathiassen Peter A. Nielsen
Abstract. Checkland 's Soft Systems Methodology for defining and solving problems in organizations is presented on the basis of an application of the methodology. In many ways this approach represents an improvement in relation to more traditional approaches to computer-based information systems. Based on an experiment we explore the possibilities of combining the practical usefulness of soft systems thinking with the analytical power offered by dialectical thinking. Soft Systems Methodology already shares several basic elements with dialectical approaches to social theory and action. It does not, however, include the key element of dialectical analysis: explicit thinking in terms of contradictions. The paper presents experiences, ideas and arguments, but it contains no final answers. At this stage it is our intention to engage others in critical and constructive reflection on further developments of Soft Systems Methodology and on dialectical approaches to computer-based information systems in organizations. Keywords: computer-based information systems, Soft Systems Methodology, dialectics, contradiction.
273 * Published as: Soft Systems and Hard Contradictions - Approaching the Reality of Information Systems in Organizations. L. Mathiassen & P. A. Nielsen. In: Journal of Applied Systems Analysis, Vol. 16, 1989.
DEVELOPING SYSTEMS
1.
Introduction
Checkland 's Soft Systems Methodology, SSM (Checkland 1981) has in general proved powerful as a systemic approach to organizational change, cf. (Checkland 1985). Therefore, it is only natural to consider SSM as a more specific approach to computer-based information systems in organizations (Wilson 1982; Schäfer et al. 1986), Within information systems we are confronted with challenges on several levels. Our first and most deep concern is the use of information systems in organizations. On this level SSM can be used to analyze,
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