WORKING WHOLE SYSTEMS
putting theory into practice in organisations
Second Edition
2005128 pages Paperback
ISBN-10 1 85775 760 2
ISBN-13 9781857757606
Julian Pratt, Pat Gordon and Diane Plamping, Urban Partnerships Group, London School of Economics
Foreword by Margaret J Wheatley, President, The Berkana Institute, Utah, USA
Description
Working Whole Systems offers a radical way of thinking about organisations as living systems. It provides practical methods for engaging with complex social and organisational issues that are applicable to any group wanting a new way to work. The book draws directly on the authors’ experience in health agencies, housing, transport, local government, police and voluntary agencies.
This second edition contains new research on the criminal justice system, services for children and young people and services for people with mental health problems.
Leaders, managers and human resources professionals in all organisations will find the approach of this book fundamental to the way their systems function. It also offers vital information for policy makers and shapers.
“I was delighted to read this book. It is simply the most thoughtful, comprehensible, and accessible work I have yet seen on working with the whole system. Its authors speak from their hard-won wisdom; as you read their comments, you know you are in the presence of people who have been doing the work for a long time and spent long hours reflecting on its meaning and lessons.”
Margaret J Wheatley, in the Foreword
Review Quotes 'An easy read. The practical, real-life examples are well chosen and extremely illustrative. The book gives a good introduction to working whole systems theory, and has a wealth of useful examples for how to put theory into practice. I would recommend it for those in management who already have a knowledge of whole systems theory but would like a simple, practical guide as to how to apply it.' CLINICIAN IN MANAGEMENT
 Working whole systems - a brief summary Metaphors - whole system approach using the metaphor of a living system to understand organisations Principles - the principles of the whole system Story - an example of what it is like to work from a whole system perspective Transferability - examples of how the whole system has wide applicability Partnership - ways of thinking about the purpose of partnership Questions - commonly asked questions about the whole system approach
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