whole-system thinking
[hoʊl ˈsɪstəm ˈθɪŋkɪŋ]
noun
pensamento sistêmico integral
1. An approach to problem-solving and analysis that considers all interconnected components of a complex system rather than isolated parts
The company adopted whole-system thinking to understand how changes in one department affected the entire organization.
A empresa adotou pensamento sistêmico integral para entender como as mudanças em um departamento afetavam toda a organização.
2. A philosophical framework that examines relationships, interactions, and feedback loops within a system to achieve sustainable solutions
Whole-system thinking is essential in environmental management to address climate change effectively.
O pensamento sistêmico integral é essencial na gestão ambiental para abordar as mudanças climáticas de forma eficaz.
This term gained prominence in both Brazilian and American contexts during the 2000s-2010s as organizations and institutions increasingly focused on sustainability and organizational effectiveness. In Brazil, it became particularly relevant in discussions of social development, environmental management, and corporate responsibility. In the USA, it emerged from complexity science and systems theory, becoming mainstream in business schools and management consulting. The concept reflects a shift from reductionist to integrative problem-solving approaches across cultures.
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