Developing unbounded systems thinking: using causal mapping with multiple stakeholders within a Vietnamese company Vo H.V., Chae B., Olson D.L. Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States; University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, United States; School of Industrial Management, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, 268 Ly Thuong Kiet, 10th Dist., Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam Abstract: Researchers propose that systems-oriented, multiple perspective approaches are better suited to deal with messy or wicked problems. In this study, we apply Mitroff and Linstone's Unbounded Systems Thinking (UST) framework to a Vietnamese company case. Causal mapping and group model building were used. As the case shows, each perspective provides a limited model of the problem situation. Our study shows that a model built on multiple perspectives offers a more complete picture of the problem and therefore helps the organization better understand the problem situation, creating a ground for better problem resolution. Lessons learned from the case are discussed. © 2007 Operational Research Society Ltd. All rights reserved. Author Keywords: Case study; Causal maps; Problem structuring; Unbounded systems thinking Index Keywords: Industrial economics; Mathematical models; Problem solving; Professional aspects; Societies and institutions; Case study; Causal maps; Problem structuring; Unbounded systems thinking; Operations research Year: 2007 Source title: Journal of the Operational Research Society Volume: 58 Issue: 5 Page : 655-668 Cited by: 1 Link: Scorpus Link Correspondence Address: Vo, H.V.; School of Industrial Management, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, 268 Ly Thuong Kiet, 10th Dist., Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; email:
[email protected] ISSN: 1605682 CODEN: JORSD DOI: 10.1057/palgrave.jors.2602266 Language of Original Document: English Abbreviated Source Title: Journal of the Operational Research Society Document Type: Article Source: Scopus Authors with affiliations:
1. Vo, H.V., Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, School of Industrial Management, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, 268 Ly Thuong Kiet, 10th Dist., Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam 2. Chae, B., Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States 3. Olson, D.L., University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, United States
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