Selected sources, Q1+2, 2025

December 2024

The text discusses the concept of constraints in complex systems. It explains how these constraints interact and can lead to emergent behaviors. Understanding these constraints can help us to think about outcomes in dynamic environments. The relationship between context and constraints is crucial in analyzing complex situations. Ultimately, recognizing these patterns can enhance our ability to navigate uncertainty.

Thu, Dec 19, 2024

In this episode, the second of two parts, we’ll dive deeper into the practical side of systems thinking—exploring how USAID missions bring the Local Systems Position Paper to life, tackle practical implementation challenges, and rethink the role of donors to truly embrace systems practice.

Sat, Apr 24, 2021

The text discusses how to effectively create change in complex systems. It identifies four levels of potential intervention: reconfiguring structures, re-patterning relationships, cultivating systemic organization, and shifting paradigms. A systemic mindset is essential, as it helps practitioners understand and adapt to continuous changes in the world. The focus should be on deeper levels of intervention, rather than just adding new initiatives. Ultimately, recognizing these dynamics allows for more impactful strategies in fostering systemic change.

April

At the School, we have come to see action inquiry as a systemic practice of learning, a process through which we continually act, reflect, iterate and learn as a way of engaging with complex issues. We created this publication to support people to understand action inquiry and work with it in their systems change practice. Through it, we delve into key concepts, ideas and framings that underpin action inquiry and its role at the School.

Fri, Jun 13

The article highlights the importance of focusing on relationships and processes in creating lasting change. Many change efforts prioritize tangible outcomes but overlook how people connect and work together. The School of System Change helps groups develop skills to collaborate, lead, and navigate complexity. They offer tailored learning journeys that build capacity for long-term, relational change. The goal is to support communities in owning their change process and working with power and diversity effectively.

February

Relational state capacity (RSC) emphasizes the importance of citizen-state relationships, focusing on mutual recognition to solve societal issues. Unlike traditional state capacity, which prioritizes technical aspects, RSC highlights relational dynamics as a latent resource. It aims to improve outcomes in areas like public health and social cohesion by fostering intentional structures that support relationality. The paper explores RSC’s development, societal influences, and potential for enhancing welfare, democratic resilience, and public sector performance through empirical investigation

Fri, Apr 4

The text discusses the importance of understanding systems through relationships rather than just locations. It emphasizes that terms like place and localism are merely shortcuts for deeper relational dynamics. The author introduces a framework for assessing systems based on metrics like feedback speed and adaptive capacity. This approach allows for better diagnosis and intervention in living systems. Ultimately, it suggests that fostering internal capabilities leads to more effective change than imposing external solutions.

Wed, Apr 24, 2019

The blog discusses how Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) can learn from market systems approaches. It emphasizes that successful market systems are dynamic, innovative, and inclusive, with actors continuously improving and adapting. In contrast, DRG often focuses on fixing institutions rather than fostering ongoing local problem-solving. The author suggests that redefining success in DRG to include dynamic participation and accountability could enhance governance. This perspective could encourage more engagement and collaboration among citizens, governments, and civil society.

Sat, Feb 8

Political economy analysis (PEA) is important for development projects, but it often overlooks the economic aspects. It tends to simplify complex industries and political influences, leading to incomplete insights. The analysis frequently focuses on the current state of affairs rather than identifying opportunities for change. To improve PEA, a new approach called political opportunity analysis should be developed. This would emphasize potential avenues for change and make PEA more useful for transformation efforts.

Thu, Jan 16

Change happens when communities lead and co-create solutions together. Philanthropy should focus on building connections rather than delivering prescriptive programs. By fostering relationships, we can create ecosystems that support individual and collective growth. Trust and collaboration are essential for meaningful, lasting change. Ultimately, philanthropy’s role is to nurture these connections to empower communities.

Thu, Jun 5

In this recorded session, Royce Holladay and Glenda Eoyang explain the “interdependent pairs” approach to understanding the polarities, tensions and dynamics which shape the evolution of complex social systems.

Sat, Jun 21

Graciela Selaimen argues that focusing only on measurable impact misses the deeper, living changes in communities. Traditional metrics ignore relationships, care, and the complexity of real transformation. She suggests embracing “affection” and “warm data,” which pay attention to connections and shared experiences. True change is mutual and affects both those who give and receive support. Philanthropy should value deep listening, ongoing relationships, and openness to the unknown.

Thu, Apr 17

Systems thinking involves engaging with complex systems rather than just trying to understand or control them. It requires active participation, curiosity, and reflection to uncover patterns and insights. Embracing uncertainty and multiple perspectives is essential to foster meaningful dialogue and collective understanding. This approach values the messy, iterative nature of learning and adapting within systems. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of presence and participation in shaping desirable futures.

Wed, Jun 18

The article discusses how teams can navigate complex changes in their environment. Instead of aiming for fixed goals, they focus on understanding their current situation and identifying actionable next steps. The process involves mapping out existing elements and recognizing where impactful changes can occur. Teams create a set of realistic interventions that can be implemented simultaneously. This approach promotes continuous learning and responsiveness rather than rigid strategic planning.

Thu, Mar 27

In the first of a five part series, Dr. Jess Daggers explores how systems and complexity thinking can improve impact measurement in systemic investing. The project involves collaboration with experts to rethink conventional measurement frameworks. It emphasizes the importance of understanding relationships and information flows in a system. Investors are encouraged to adopt more collaborative approaches, moving beyond traditional practices. The series aims to share insights and foster discussions on integrating these ideas into investment strategies.

Thu, Nov 21, 2024

Rubrics help define what makes a policy or program valuable by specifying criteria and standards. Co-developing rubrics with stakeholders ensures their values and perspectives are included in the evaluation process. This collaborative approach enhances understanding and supports more effective evaluations. Clear rubrics guide decisions about evidence and improve the overall quality of the evaluation. Investing time in rubric development pays off by providing clarity and focus throughout the evaluation.

Wed, Apr 30

Nick Sinclair and David Robinson are launching a new blog focused on creating ‘Relational Neighbourhoods,’ where positive relationships matter. They believe that these neighbourhoods should foster a sense of belonging and community involvement. Recent policy changes emphasize the importance of community collaboration in shaping local regeneration. A Relational Neighbourhood is defined by connections between people, not just physical boundaries. The authors argue that improving relationships is essential for revitalizing communities and enhancing well-being.

Tue, Jan 28

This is episode 1 of a 2-part series with guests from The Asia Foundation, Nicola Nixon (Senior Director of Governance) and Gopa Kumar Thampi (Senior Governance Advisor at The Asia Foundation in Sri Lanka). We discuss the state of adaptive programming in our sector today, their newly launched strategy testing workbook, lessons learned from ten years of implementing adaptive programming across geographies and technical sectors, and we’re going to bust some myths about adaptive management towards the end.

Tue, Nov 12, 2024

adrienne and Autumn sit down with great teacher, Norma Wong, whose new book, When No Thing Works: A Zen and Indigenous Perspective on Resilience, Shared Purpose, and Leadership in the Timeplace of Collapse, was released the day after the [US] election. Wong brings her years of organizing, electoral work, and spiritual practice to bear on this moment of collapse, with wisdom, wit, and deep care for all life.

Undated

In the first of a five part series, Orit Gal introduces the idea of social acupuncture, an approach to social change that explores how complex social patterns emerge from individual interactions. It emphasizes the dynamic nature of these systems, where behaviors can both shape and be shaped by systemic patterns. Complexity science helps us understand these patterns but also highlights a gap between theory and practical application. The approach suggests that strategic design should embrace the complexity and messiness of situations rather than aim for a fixed ideal. Ultimately, strategists are like acupuncturists, aiming to disrupt and transform complex patterns through targeted interventions.

Tue, Feb 25

In this episode, we have a frank conversation about Political Economy Analyses (PEAs) in the international development sector today. PEAs have come some way, but there’s still a long way to go – and we delve into the balance between what is good enough and how to effectively apply it.

Sun, Dec 29, 2024

We’re ending this final epsiode of 2024 in a beautiful place with Karima Kadaoui sharing in some co-reflections with me about the trustful and humanising society that she is seeing emerge in Morocco and beyond. It became really clear to me during this conversation with Karima, that the way that we talk about the work we are doing is a really important choice. This is because it sets up frames and expectations that really affect how we do the work. So for that reason, I’m not going to say much about the incredible work that is happening across communities, schools and government ministries across Morocco through the Tamkeen process as Karima describes it much more beautifully than I ever could.

Fri, Feb 14

Toby Lowe discusses the concept of Relational Public Service, focusing on the importance of relationships over transactions. He emphasizes “whole person” relationships, where individuals are seen as humans with their own needs and stories. The presentation contrasts open systems, which allow for flexible and adaptive interactions, with closed systems, which are more rigid and predefined. Open systems are more effective for dynamic and personalized public service, while closed systems suit fixed and standardized tasks. Overall, fostering relationships is key to improving public service outcomes.

2025

The Spirit of Ubuntu documentary focuses on the importance of community and humanity. It highlights the need to help others and support young leaders through education and empowerment. The project aims to transform lives in Africa by promoting unity and compassion. It emphasizes the idea that we are all connected and have a role in improving our communities. Ultimately, the documentary showcases how working together can create a better future for everyone.