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The use of soft systems methodology in emancipatory development
Author(s) -
Callo V. N.,
Packham R. G.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
systems research and behavioral science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1099-1743
pISSN - 1092-7026
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1099-1743(199907/08)16:4<311::aid-sres248>3.0.co;2-0
Subject(s) - soft systems methodology , contextualization , facilitator , emancipation , sociology , knowledge management , action (physics) , action research , process (computing) , epistemology , process management , computer science , information system , psychology , business , political science , social psychology , pedagogy , management information systems , philosophy , physics , quantum mechanics , politics , programming language , operating system , law , interpretation (philosophy)
This paper discusses the use of Checkland's soft systems methodology with the broader framework of participative systemic action research. It builds on an earlier critique of SSM, discussing particularly its use as a tool for participation and emancipation: the paper discusses how SSM was used as a method to help successfully achieve emancipatory development in a rural area in the Philippines. Important emergent features that ensured such success for SSM were (a) the role of the facilitator and the process of facilitation, (b) the commitment to learning with and from all participants, (c) the contextualization of the SSM, and (d) a commitment to authentic participation of all stakeholders. Mention is also made of the different issues concerning the implementation of agreed change in situations where there are no clear power hierarchies. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.