System archetypes describe and illustrate common patterns or common behaviors that occur within organizations (Braun, 2002). These archetypes can be utilized as effective tools in two main ways, first, as a diagnostic tool to identify and understand the underlying systemic issues and, secondly, as a planning tool to test the systemic effects of a proposed change. By recognizing the presence of the systems archetype, managers can better understand fundamental solutions in improving business performance.
To prepare for this Discussion:
Read and review the case study Rise and Demise of the Innovative Entrant:
Consider the systems archetypes that Senge reviews in Chapter 6, Natures Templates: Identifying the Patterns that Control Events. Review the articles Towards the Definition and Use of a Core Set of Archetypal Structures in System Dynamics and The System Archetypes (located in this weeks Learning Resources) to view examples of the use of archetypes to analyze business problems.
***INSTRUCTIONS***
Post an assessment of the effects of systems archetypes on the organization profiled in the case study, including your recommendations for how you would improve the system. In your assessment, do the following: PLEASE ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS AND BE SURE TO SEPARATE BY TOPIC YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT
3. Based on your evaluation of the dilemma faced by the organization in the case study, assess what systems archetype(s) might be in control. Justify your assessment. (Note: There is no one right answer to this question, as more than one of the archetypes may fit the dilemma.)
2. Explain how you would improve the system (e.g., this could include ways to eliminate negative feedback loops or other negative branches of the system archetype). Be specific.
3. Describe the lessons you learned from this case study and how those might apply to your organization or one with which you are familiar.
