This document provides an introduction to systems mapping. It explains that systems mapping is a holistic approach to understanding the dynamic influences of multiple interrelated factors on a system. Participatory systems mapping facilitates ownership and identifies leverage points for change by incorporating multiple stakeholder perspectives. The document outlines steps for participatory systems mapping, including identifying important causal dynamics, feedback loops, and leverage points within a system. It encourages applying this approach to analyze real situations.

1. A
Practice
Guide
for
Systems
Mapping
AC4
Sustaining
Peace
Stephen
Gray
Josefine
Roos

2. What
and
Why
systems
mapping?
Systems
mapping
in
practice

3. What
and
why
systems
mapping?
– It’s
all
about
why
– Holistic:
understand
the
dynamic
influence
of
multiple
factors
– Non-­‐linearity
– Sticking
points
and
tipping
points
– Emergence:
more
than
the
sum
of
parts
– Leverage
points
for
system
change
– Anticipating
unintended
consequences
– Data:
chronology,
narratives,
groups
– Uses:
analysis,
strategy,
co-­‐learning

4. Participatory
approaches
to
systems
mapping
– Flips
the
researcher-­‐
participant
paradigm
– Facilitates
ownership
– Multiple
perspectives
and
connections
(whole
system
view)
– New
leverage
points

6. Identifying
important
causal
dynamics

7. Identifying
important
causal
dynamics

8. Identifying
important
causal
dynamics

9. Identifying
important
causal
dynamics

10. Your
turn…
– Group
size?
– Identify
situation
(not
on
map)
– Identify
causal
factors
– Political,
economic,
social,
technological,
historical
– Map
causal
relationships
– Reinforcing,
inhibiting
– What’s
notable?
– Loops
(reinforing/balancing)
– Energy
hubs
– Leverage
points
– Details
matter
– Facilitate,
not
dominate

11. Is
this
useful
for
you?
– What
does
this
approach
offer
you
that
other’s
don’t?
– What
did
you
like
or
dislike?
– How
would
you
use
this
in
your
work?
– How
would
you
improve
it?