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Creative and flexible deployment of systems methodologies for child rights and child protection through Holistic Flexibility

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  • Rajneesh Chowdhury
  • Amanda Gregory
  • Miguel Queah

Abstract

Holistic Flexibility is a conceptual lens in systems thinking that enables intellectual, emotional and tactical elasticity in systems practice. This paper will demonstrate Holistic Flexibility in practice in an NGO setting to design and implement a programme to address the widening gap between government policy and its implementation. Critical Systems Heuristics was chosen as the preferred methodology, strengthened with two methods from two other systems methodologies—CATWOE (a mnemonic for Customers, Actors, Transformation, Worldview, Owners, Environment) from Soft Systems Methodology and issues (assumption) rating method from Strategic Assumption Surfacing and Testing. Following a participative programme design exercise, two phases were identified. The strategy, implementation and impact of phase 1, which covered work undertaken between the period 2018 and 2020, is provided. Phase 2 was under consideration at the time of writing this paper.

Suggested Citation

  • Rajneesh Chowdhury & Amanda Gregory & Miguel Queah, 2023. "Creative and flexible deployment of systems methodologies for child rights and child protection through Holistic Flexibility," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 40(4), pages 654-670, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:srbeha:v:40:y:2023:i:4:p:654-670
    DOI: 10.1002/sres.2955
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    References listed on IDEAS

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