How is Systems Thinking different from Mechanistic Thinking

Solution

In order to understand the difference between Systems Thinking and Mechanistic Thinking, let us first understand their meanings one by one:

Systems Thinking:

System thinking is an approach or tool which can be introduced in the organizations to solve problems. Basically system approach means diagnosing or examining the issues more deeply and then after understanding the problems properly proper actions can be taken to resolve such issues. It is not only concerned with observing the events that are taking place in and around the organization, but understanding the pattern of the problem and how the changes are occurring. Technically it helps in recognizing the problem more deeply with curiosity and figure out how things are interrelated with each other , And that there can be number of solutions to one problem.   

Mechanistic Thinking:

It refers to the thinking process which helps solve the business problems using the process of \'reductionism\'. It means dividing the entire problem into smaller pieces and breaking down the problem totally so that each component of it can be studied properly and then the solution can be taken out effectively. It can also be understood as ignoring the emotional sides of the people and analysing the problems strictly by dividing the issue into smaller segments and then finding solutions to it step by step.

Important points of difference between Systems Thinking and Mechanistic Thinking:

1. System Thinking is involved in studying the interaction between the elements under study whereas Mechanistic Thinking is involved in breaking down or separating different elements of the problem in hand.

2. System Thinking uses the theory of Holism, it means that all the elements of the problem are combined as one and then the solution is taken out, on the other hand Mechanistic Thinking uses the theory of reductionism, it means breaking down the elements of the problem and then studying each part deeply.

3. System Thinking studies all the components as one whole whereas Mechanistic Thinking studies every component in isolation.

4.  System Thinking helps study the problem and give multiple causes/ solutions to one problem on the other hand Mechanistic Thinking simply studies the linear cause and effect relationship between the elements.

5.  System Thinking tries to find the range or diversity in solving the problem on the other hand Mechanistic Thinking believes in the uniformity in solving any problem.

6. System Thinking is Intuitive in nature, it means that to solve a problem an individual makes use of his intuitions, whereas Mechanistic Thinking is Empiricism in nature, it means that people rely on practical experiences/ experiments to solve any problem.

7. System Thinking is enquiry based as it involves enquiring for the interaction among different elements of the problem, whereas Mechanistic Thinking is certain in nature as it involves certainty in deciding on the solutions for the problems and does not enquire as to why the problem arose.