Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to discuss from various angles soft systems approach, a set of methodologies and frameworks proposed for structuring problematic decision situations involving uncertainty and complexity. Firstly, we introduce the basic idea of the soft systems approach, comparing them with hard systems approach. Next, we focus on the soft systems methodology, or SSM, advocated by Peter Checkland. Since it is one of typical and the most established soft systems approach, its detailed explanation should be helpful to capture the nature of soft systems approach themself. By debate and discussion, SSM tries to support the participants in the problematic situation to mutually understand each other in spite of their diversified viewpoints and to make accommodation on what their relevant problem is. Finally, we argue a framework of meta-methodology in which various systems approach are positioned according to their characteristics. Based on meta-methodology, by picking up peaces from different methodologies for each phase of problem tackling and then combining them, we can work out a tailor-made methodology particularly suitable for the situation.
