A Metalanguage for Communication, Confidence, and Commitment: A New Perspective on Influence Diagrams

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to show some of the schemes used by systems researchers and consultants to collect data about their clients' perceptions of problem situations. These various schemes--which use both words and graphics, consisting more or less of curved lines and arrows-- are useful for 1. helping clients express their perception of a problem situation; 2. organizing clients' thinking; 3. helping to overcome traditional rivalry between individuals and between groups; 4. helping “to create a consensus and commitment to action in a team” (Eden, 1988,2). My paper will discuss three such schemes, proceeding from the 'soft' systems methodology (Checkland, 1981); then 'cognitive mapping' (Eden, 1988); and finally, two system dynamics studies dealing with health care systems.