An Examination of the Nexus between Systems Thinking and Organizational Development for Enhancing Organizational Performance: The Case of Public Service Entities in Uganda

Description

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18373205

Tophil Owino Odoy(Uganda Management Institute, Kampala, Uganda)

This study examines the nexus between Systems Thinking (ST) and Organizational Development (OD), considered important for enhancing organizational performance. It specifically reviews systems thinking and its intrinsic connection to organizational development, highlighting how and why both concepts function as ‘two sides of the same coin’. The study sought to explore the theoretical underpinnings of systems thinking, and its role in shaping and enhancing organizational development. Using a systematic literature review methodology, the study analyzes studies published between 2015 and 2025, which directly examine this relationship. It also examines how systems mapping and modeling, adaptive learning and change, and complexity and emergence shape OD. The study found a conceptual framework for understanding systems thinking as an approach that views organizations as interconnected systems, emphasizing feedback loops, inter-dependencies, and long-term adaptability. It also established that systems thinking is a critical driver of OD, fostering strategic planning, innovation, and resilience; and that at a foundational level, it facilitates problem-solving and decision-making by enabling organizations to navigate complexity and uncertainty. At a broader level, systems thinking strengthens leadership, performance management, and sustainability by integrating holistic perspectives and continuous learning and development. The study also found that organizations that embrace systems thinking are better equipped to evolve, adapt, and achieve sustainable growth in an increasingly dynamic environment. These findings highlight the need for understanding organizational development practices, and the importance of adopting the systems thinking approach to achieve sustainable and effective organizational change.