Organizational Development Series
Issues facing organizations are extremely complex,
and yet we are often surprised when solutions and decisions for these
issues fail to "solve" the problem. Indeed, we all know of cases
where the solution actually made the problem worse! Standard problem-solving/decision
making models are useful for addressing certain types of issues, but are
often inadequate, by themselves, for effectively addressing more complex
issues. This series will provide tools for dealing with complex organizational
issues. Our Systems Thinking course is currently offered several times each year.
Dates, times and descriptions of additional courses in this series will be announced
throughout the year.
Systems Thinking
Much has been written about "systems thinking" over
the last several years. Basically, a system is a collection of parts,
which interact with each other to function as a whole. Organizations behave
as "systems", and there are systems tools and processes that
can help us better understand how the various parts of organizations interact
with each other and then use that understanding to diagnose and address
organizational issues. This two day workshop is designed for managers
and leaders in government who wish to use the tools and processes of systems
thinking to enhance their own thinking and to better assess and address
complex organizational problems.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to:
- Understand the tools and language of systems thinking
- Use systems archetypes (common patterns of problems) in identifying organizational problems
- Generate alternative solutions for organizational problems
- Assess and anticipate short term, long term, and unintended consequences of proposed solutions
- Use these tools and principles in analyzing participants' own organizational issues
Instructor
Dr. Barry Bales, Assistant Dean for Professional Development,
LBJ School of Public Affairs
Location
The Organizational Development Series training is held at The
Commons on the J.J. Pickle Research Campus and Camp Mabry
in Austin.
Tuition
$650.00 per two-day class, includes all program materials. Tuition
does not include lodging and meals.
Calendar and Registration
