Part 2: System Change

Strand 2: Conceptualising a Whole Systems Approach

Video

Learning Objectives

After watching this section, you should be able to:

  • Define systems change and distinguish it from traditional service delivery
  • Describe the key characteristics of a systems change process
  • Explain the shift in evaluative thinking that a systems change mindset requires

Key Points

  • Systems change is an intentional process to redesign the people, processes, rules, and structures that cause a system to behave in a certain way
  • It is collaborative — working across stakeholder groups to understand and address root causes, not telling others how to do things differently
  • Systems change requires far-sightedness and boldness: imagining a different future and taking actions to get there
  • The evaluative question shifts from “does it work?” to “how does this help alter the system?”
  • It involves innovating, learning, and adapting in response to the uncertain and evolving nature of complex systems

Further Reading

  • Human Learning Systems — a framework for applying systems thinking to public service delivery; focuses on enabling organisations to learn and adapt in response to complexity, rather than applying fixed programmes
  • The Frameworks Institute — research and resources on communicating about systemic change; helps practitioners explain why individual-level approaches are insufficient and systems-level change is needed

Knowledge Check

Complete the questions below before moving on.

According to the video, which of the following questions best reflects a systems-change mindset when evaluating the actions you take?

The correct answer is How does this help alter the system? The video describes a shift in thinking that is central to systems change: rather than asking “does it work?”, the key question becomes “how does this help alter the system?” This reframing moves evaluation away from isolated outcomes and towards understanding how actions reshape the wider system.

  • False — accountability is important, but this question does not capture the systems-change shift in thinking.
  • False — “does it work?” reflects a traditional, output-focused mindset rather than a systems-change approach.
  • True
  • False — cost is a practical consideration but not the defining evaluative question of systems change.

← Part 1

Part 3 →