THE SYSTEMS THINKING LEARNING LENS: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF EXECUTIVES’ MENTAL MODELS by Debbie Sutherland Dissertation Committee: Professor Lyle Yorks, Sponsor Professor Victoria Marsick Approved by the Committee on the Degree of Doctor of Education Date: May 22, 2019 Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education in Teacher’s College, Columbia University 2019 ABSTRACT THE SYSTEMS THINKING LEARNING LENS: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF EXECUTIVES’ MENTAL MODELS Debbie Sutherland It has become progressively difficult for businesses to tackle unanticipated events and define the influencers that generate unintended business consequences. As such, uncertain and ambiguous situations are now the prescriptive norm for many companies. Executives are at the forefront of having to make sense of the uncertainty to seek the ideal decision pathway. The purpose of this exploratory research study was to seek what is known about learning how to develop a systems thinking mental model by exploring the perceptions and narratives of 12 global executives working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) within complex adaptive systems (CAS) and their understanding of their thinking patterns that may have assisted in learning how to develop a systems thinking mental model to manage business ambiguity. Three research questions were developed to identify the types of experiences, perceptions, thinking patterns, and enablers—be they within the individual, organizational, or environmental context—that may have provided a strategic learning path. The research questions include: (a) What characterizes the mental models the executives hold (the distinct nature or features of their beliefs, behaviors, and principles)?; (b) What are the experiences that provide the scaffolding in developing a systems thinking mental model (experiences and events)?; and (c) What aspects of the individual, organizational, and environmental interactions enable individuals to learn how to develop a systems thinking capacity (relationships, systems, and elements)? The qualitative exploratory research study used three data collection methods: (a) semi-structured interviews, (b) focus group session, and (c) demographic questionnaire. The researcher concluded from the findings, analysis, interpretations, and synthesis that: (a) a systems thinking mental model is reflective of and responsive to different elements, situations, and influencers; (b) certain behaviors are an integral part of a systems thinking mental model; (c) informal learning experiences in ambiguous and uncertain situations may provide an ambiguous thinking learning pathway; and (d) learning through social, cultural, and operational systems is an under-utilized strategic intent. © Copyright Debbie Sutherland 2019 All Rights Reserved ii DEDICATION This dissertation is dedicated to my husband, John Sutherland, who provided the unending support in my continuous learning journey; who was always there to listen to my thoughts; who provided encouragement when my mental road blocks took hold; and who was the foundation that enabled me to reach this academic achievement. I would also like to share this dedication with my children, Bailey and Jake Sutherland, who provided the positive enthusiasm and interest in my studies and never wavered from their chant: “You can do this.” I am full of gratitude for their love and support. iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge Professor Yorks and Professor Marsick for sharing their deep knowledge and guidance in my academic journey. Professor Marsick provided me with a rich body of research and myriad insights that enabled me to expand my thinking processes. Professor Yorks, my doctorate advisor with research interests in strategy development as an organizational learning process and management development, was instrumental in helping me keep an “academic practitioner” thread woven throughout the dissertation to ensure there was a strong corporate learning angle. My gratitude extends to Professor of Practice William Passmore, who advises leaders worldwide on matters concerning change, leadership, and organization design, and Professor Aaron Pallas, who has devoted his academic career to education policy. The Committee was generous with their time, insights, and recommendations. Second, I would like to thank the Teachers College, Columbia University AEGIS faculty at large, who provided an inspiring, challenging, and high- caliber learning environment that enabled me to feel like a full-time contributing member of the Columbia University doctoral studies cohort, even though I lived overseas. Third, my warmest acknowledgment is for the amazing AEGIS XXV cohort who enriched my doctorate learning experiences in so many ways. I felt privileged to be part of this amazing cohort. Special thanks to Pamela Booth Rosati, who was my constant thought partner during our monthly meetings over the years. Lastly, a special thank you to all the executives, who participated in the pilot studies, focus group, and the interviews, for being generous with their time and insights. D. S. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter I – INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................ 1 Concept Overview ............................................................................................... 3 Statement of the Problem ..................................................................................... 6 The Academic Gap .............................................................................................. 9 UAE and Global Executives ................................................................................ 11 Research Purpose and Questions ......................................................................... 13 Researcher Design Overview ............................................................................... 14 Researcher Perspectives ....................................................................................... 17 Assumptions ......................................................................................................... 17 Rationale and Significance of the Study .............................................................. 20 Summary and Overview ...................................................................................... 21 Key Terms ............................................................................................................ 23 Chapter II – LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................................................ 26 A Systems Thinking Overview ............................................................................ 27 Defining Systems Thinking ..................................................................... 28 Evolution of Systems Thinking ............................................................... 30 Complex Adaptive Systems ..................................................................... 32 The Systems Thinking Learning Lens Overview .................................... 33 Collated Systems Thinking Concepts ...................................................... 39 Mental Models: Understanding Cognitive Complexities .................................... 40 Ambiguity ................................................................................................ 41 Systems Thinking and Mental Models .................................................... 43 Sense Making and Perceptions ................................................................ 45 Context Matters ........................................................................................ 46 Neuroscience Influencers ......................................................................... 51 Collated Mental Model Concepts ............................................................ 53 The Individual, Organizational, and Environmental Learning Nexus ................. 54 Experiential Learning............................................................................... 55 Informal and Situated Learning Theories ................................................ 59 Collated Learning From Experience Concepts ......................................... 65 Organizational Learning ...................................................................................... 66 Collated Organizational Theory Concepts ............................................... 70 Literature Review Summary ................................................................................ 71 Conceptual Framework Description .................................................................... 73 Chapter III – METHODOLOGY ..................................................................................... 76 Qualitative Methodology ..................................................................................... 77 Exploratory Research Design .................................................................. 78 Social Constructivism .............................................................................. 81 Areas of Information Needed............................................................................... 83 Demographic Information ........................................................................ 84 Perceptual and Conceptual Information................................................... 84 v Chapter III (continued) Overview of Research Design ............................................................................. 85 Selection of Participants