Learning from Loops - Applying CLD to Identify Leverage Points as Organizational Learning

In this paper submitted to the special session on “System Dynamics and Organizational Learning: purposes, practices and pitfalls”, we describe a system dynamics intervention using the principles of Group Model Building to uncover the deep-seated issues in a long-standing problem area of an organization. In describing this intervention, we will outline how we used causal loop diagrams to represent the system in focus and identify leverage points for improvement. This intervention is positioned as part of an organizational capability-building program involving a university postgraduate degree. This paper will analyse our learning in the context of the research question outlined in the special session proposal.