Soft Systems and Hard Contradictions

Checkland's Soft Systems Methodology for defining and solving problems in organizations is presented on the basis of an application of the methodology. In many ways this approach represents an improvement in relation to more traditional approaches to computer-based information systems. Based on an experiment we explore the possibilities of combining the practical usefulness of soft systems thinking with the analytical power offered by dialectical thinking. Soft Systems Methodology already shares several basic elements with dialectical approaches to social theory and action. It does not, however, include the key element of dialectical analysis: explicit thinking in terms of contradictions. The paper presents experiences, ideas and arguments, but it contains no final answers. At this stage it is our intention to engage others in critical and constructive reflection on further developments of Soft Systems Methodology and on dialectical approaches to computer-based information systems in organizations.