Outside factors can trigger certain behaviors within a system, but the patterns of behavior are largely determined by the internal structure and function of the system itself. For instance, in a market economy, political events can influence the natural ups and downs, but they are not the sole drivers. The system's behavior is primarily dictated by its own elements, interconnections, and purpose or function.
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How do you avoid wasted time, money, and resources from short-sighted decisions? When you think in systems, you can learn to recognize the relationshi...
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A "system" is a set of independent things that are interconnected in a way that causes them to produce their own patterns over time. Outside factors may unleash that behavior, but the system patterns are largely internal. For example, the market economy has natural ups and downs that can be impacted by politics, but is not driven exclusively by them. A system must consist of three kinds of things: elements, interconnections, and a function or purpose. Each part must be vital to the system's function. Football players, coaches, and the field are elements connected by rules. Take away or change any one of those and you alter or break down the system's function. Many systems contain both human and non-human elements. "Function" is generally used for non-human systems, while "purpose" refers to human ones. This function or purpose is often the least obvious, but the most crucial determinant of a system's behavior. Change a team's purpose from win to lose, and the entire game strategy chan...
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