MESS FORMULATION
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 2079 ▶ |
| Object type | Human sciences, Methodology or model |
Identification of the system of problems and opportunities (in a mess) and understanding of the pattern of interactions among these problems and opportunities, and constraints on the organization's ability to do something about them (after R. HARNDEN, 1990, p.344).
According to R.L. ACKOFF, a good way to formulate the mess is projecting the future of the organization or enterprise if nothing would be done to clean up the mess.
Three aspects are of particular importance:
- obtain a detailed description of the organization and how it works, internally and in relation to its environment
- study the obstructions that block the smooth development of the organization
- prepare projections extrapolating the present performance of the organization in its messy conditions, in order to discover the dangers that loom ahead.
HARNDEN states: “The depth of analysis carried out in the mess formulation makes it possible to dissolve conflict. It is in this phase that the focus on learning is dominant. A proper mess formulation probes deeply and honestly enough to demonstrate to any doubting party that the approach is balanced and respects everyone's issue. In mess formulation, the issues are reframed until they are stated in terms that recognize existing interests vital to all parts and create a shared purpose” (p.845).
This view is very close to co-participative design (BANATHY — FUSCHL Group), heterarchical design (JOHANNESSEN) and generic design (WARFIELD).