Journal on Policy and Complex Systems
map via online platforms . ( 4 ) Deepen the map by adding insights from expert practitioners and scholars . ( 5 ) Test and improve the maps by building computer models .
Moving further afield , theory may be improved by including theoretical models from other disciplines ( Wallis , 2014d ). For example , few systems include ethics and morality as explicit conditions of sustainable socio-economic systems ( Ikerd , 2008 ). Certainly , it is possible to use IPA to evaluate and integrate varied ethical perspectives ( Wallis , 2010b ). And , ethical perspectives seem useful or even necessary for developing social systems that are sustainable ( Wallis & Valentinov , 2016a , 2016b , 2016c ). In short , when integrating theories , there are clear benefits to an interdisciplinary approach ( Wallis , 2014b ) leading to more effective computer models .
Large-scale change efforts in corporate settings only succeed about 20 % of the time ( Dekkers , 2008 ; MacIntosh & MacLean , 1999 ; Smith , 2003 ), policies seem to reach their goals less than 20 % of the time ( Light , 2016 ). Even Gandhi ’ s understanding of his nation ’ s situation , while attaining success , has not been applied successfully in every case ( Wallis , 2010b ). Improving theories of Operational Research ( OR ) are expected to lead to improvements in the practice of OR , thus further enhancing our collective reputation .
Of course , IPA is not a perfect measuring tool . It is an emerging methodology with room for improvement . While the development of more concatenated concept variables within a causal map would almost certainly lead to the identification and creation of more feedback loops , IPA does not have a specific measure for loops . While we accept that a model with more loops is likely to be better than a model with fewer loops , there does not seem to be an objective way to measure “ how many ” loops might be optimal . Also , IPA scores do not tell us which social power system might be “ better ” ( in the sense of benefits to certain individuals or groups ). The scores tell us how well we understand how those systems function , and , how well we understand the benefits / detriments of those power systems on the individual , organizational , and societal levels . Thus , IPA is expected to be highly useful to the field of OR by providing a system of measurement as a “ compass ” to facilitate and accelerate our progress toward improved theory so that we may develop organizations that support strategic planning , decision-making , sustainability , and human self-actualization .
References
Appelbaum , R . P . ( 1970 ). Theories of social change . Chicago , IL : Markham .
Bacon , F . ( 2013 . 1597 ). Meditationes Sacrae-Religious Meditations , Of Heresies – knowledge is power .
Bakker , J . I . H . ( 2011 ). North Central Sociological Association Presidential Address : Pragmatic Sociology : Healing the Discipline . Sociological Focus , 44 ( 3 ), 167 – 183 .
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