Indigenous and Western Worldviews: Systems and Systems Thinking

Question 1

What is Systems Thinking

Answer 1

Systems thinking involves viewing the world through a “systems lens” to see how interrelated parts within an environment or set of knowledge relate to one another, and how these relationships continuously shape and influence the system.

Question 2

relationality

Answer 2

Relationality refers to the interconnectedness and strength of relationships between everything, recognizing that all things are non-static and constantly shifting.

This concept underpins all First Nations cultures, highlighting the importance of maintaining relationships with people, the natural environment, and knowledge for the continued existence of their cultures.

Question 3

Implementing Embedded strategies require companies to:

Answer 3

Scan for relevant political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental forces and their underlying systemic drivers.

Understand how these issues impact business strategy and the role business can play in positively influencing system outcomes.

Acknowledge their position regarding relevant environmental, social, economic, and governance issues.

Set goals and interim targets that contribute to systems resilience, outlining clear timeframes and realistic steps.

Question 4

The challenge of Reconciling Different Worldviews

Answer 4

Bridging the gap between Indigenous and Western perspectives requires understanding and respecting different values, priorities, and ways of knowing.

Question 5

Considering Power Dynamics

Answer 5

Western approaches to systems thinking should avoid replicating colonial patterns of knowledge extraction.

Engaging with Indigenous communities requires respect, reciprocity, and meaningful partnerships.

Question 6

Complexity and Uncertainty of Systems thinking:

Answer 6

Systems thinking requires acknowledging the inherent complexity and interconnectedness of social and environmental challenges. Embracing uncertainty and adaptability is crucial for navigating these complexities.

Question 7

What is Doughnut Economics?

Answer 7

Provides a framework for achieving sustainable development by balancing social needs within the limits of our planet’s resources

It seeks to ensure that everyone has access to essential resources and opportunities, without exceeding the environmental limits that could threaten the stability and resilience of the Earth’s systems.

Question 8

Doughnut Economics: The Social Foundation

Answer 8

The inner ring of the Doughnut represents the minimum social standards required. This includes access to food, water, healthcare, education, and social equity

Question 9

Doughnut Economics: Ecological Ceiling

Answer 9

The outer ring represents the nine planetary boundaries that human activities risk causing irreversible global damage if exceeded.

Question 10

Consequences of Overshooting the Ecological Ceiling

Answer 10

• More frequent and intense extreme weather events
• Disruptions to food supplies and increased food insecurity
• Water scarcity and conflicts over water resources
• Mass extinction of species and the collapse of ecosystems
• Degradation of land and soil, reducing agricultural productivity

Question 10

To respect planetary boundaries, businesses need to:

Answer 10

• Adopt a systems thinking approach to understand their impacts on the environment and society.
• Measure and reduce their environmental footprint across their operations and value chains.
• Invest in sustainable technologies and practices to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and limit pollution.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and implement solutions for a more sustainable future.

Question 11

Challenges with Consumer behaviour and sustainability

Answer 11

Businesses need to engage consumers in adopting more sustainable consumption patterns.

Question 11

Political and regulatory opportunities with Sustainability

Answer 11

Businesses can advocate for policies that support sustainability and a circular economy.

Question 12

Opportunities for new markets from sustainability

Answer 12

Developing sustainable products and services can create new markets and competitive advantages.

Question 13

Problems with the shareholder view

Answer 13

It focuses exclusively on maximising shareholder return. Although there has been a move towards a stakeholder view, this still centres the needs of the business.

Question 14

The systems view differs from ideas like Corporate Social Responsibility, the triple bottom line, or shared value because:

Answer 14

It is bigger, more systemic and more long-term.

No single business can be sustainable on its own - it requires groups of organisations working together.

Question 15

Doughnut Economics Advocates for

Answer 15

An economic model that operates within the safe and just space between the 9 planetary boundaries, ensuring both human well-being and planetary health.

Question 16

Embedded strategies

Answer 16

Embrace a systems view to support environmental and social resilience.

This means prioritising the capacity of social and environmental systems to withstand and recover from challenges.