Systems Theory

Question 1

Why would you want to map a conflict?

Answer 1

When you can map your conflicts on both macro and micro levels, you wil be empowered to make more produtive choices in the midst of the chaos.

Question 2

Describe systems theory.

Answer 2

A macro-level approach which tells us abot the workings of entire systems and subsystems in organizations, small groups, and families. Key concepts include wholeness, organization, and patterning.

Question 3

What concept says we must look at the entire system and not a collection of individual behaviors?

Answer 3

Wholeness

Every individual is embedded within a larger system.

Question 4

What concept says that a unit is made up of individuals, but nevertheless functions as a unit?

Answer 4

Organization

Each unit has its own patterns of organization. What is the overall picture?

Question 5

Which concept says that patterns are perdictable and serve a function?

Answer 5

Patterning

We are interested in what patterns seem connected. We ask what function do they serve. Man times people cling to patterns of behaviro that seem to make no sense, but from the whole system perspective, they do make sense.