This Discussion is also about the Focal Agency
M1 Discussion A – Systems Thinking and Linking to the External Environment
In our first discussion, we will examine the importance of agencies and a human service workers employing a systems thinking perspective in order to effectively meet the needs of consumers. Included in a systems thinking approach is the issue of establishing links to the external environment which may be considered part of a systems thinking perspective. Having examined these important concepts and issues from the Halley text and the media resources section of this module, we will now discuss what these concepts mean and how they might be viewed or not viewed in our focal agencies. Review the readings from this module and assess the following:
Do the advantages of systems thinking when delivering human services outweigh the limitations? Why or why not?
If you use an open systems thinking approach with consumers, what linkages to the external environment would you explore?
