Subject: Causal Loop Diagrams

Posted by Niall Palfreyman on 11/27/2009
In Reply To:Causal Loop Diagrams Posted by Richard Turnock on 11/27/2009

Message:

Richard Turnock schrieb:
> ... CLDs were developed as a way to present the results of a computer
> simulation to an audience that did not have the technical training
> required to understand the computer simulations.
> For me, this was an "Ah-ha" moment ...
>
This comment of Richard's makes a lot of sense to me. After reading Barry Richmond's vehement article against CLD's, I tried to do all my systems thinking and communications consistently in terms of S&F diagrams. This worked well for my own thinking, but failed miserably when I wanted to communicate an idea to the management of the company I worked for at that time. Suddenly, in a fit of frustration, I sketched a CLD on the board, and there was a universal Aha! in the room. CLD's got the message across in a concise way that I hadn't managed with S&F.

By the way: thanks to those who have recommended "Thinking in Systems"
by Donnella Meadows. I'd not heard of it, and it sounds really good from your comments. I'm hoping Father Christmas is also thinking of it!

Best wishes,
Niall Palfreyman.