Soft systems methodology (SSM)

Is a method created by Peter Checkland in the 1990s aimed at stimulating a collective approach to action within an organization. It usually deals with analyzing complex situations in which a consensus about the nature of the problem does not exist yet. The objective of SSM is to guide a group of heterodox people through the process of thinking about and discussing a problem, with the ultimate goal of making desirable adjustments and reaching a faster consensus, thus bridging the real world and the conceptual models of the parties involved. The process involves seven steps: 1. Recognizing a problematic situation: In this step we gather all of the documentation possible about the problem. We ask questions to people involved to understand the situation. Listing all the possible influencing factors and looking at the organizational processes involved is crucial for the next steps. 2. Describing the situation: Next we create rich pictures that define and describe the problem. We look at the roles of the different actors involved and how these actors interact with each other. 3. Formulating definitions: We describe the ideal way in which the organization should function. A good guide is to follow the elements in CATWOE, meaning: Customers, Actors, Transformation, Worldview, Owners, and Environmental concerns. 4. Composing conceptual models: Taking the definitions and descriptions of step 3, we make conceptual models with defined objectives for each one. 5.Comparing models to the real world: A gap analysis is conducted in the group, to see the degree of correspondence between the models and reality. 6. Defining changes: If changes are necessary to solve the problem, then they are defined and defined to check their degree of feasibility. 7.Taking action: The changes are implemented in the organization, if adjustments are seen to be necessary then the cycle starts again. This is an iterative process. The whole process is directed by a person that guides each step and the overall dialogue, they are called “facilitators”.