The design principle “Integrate Rather than Segregate” invites us to consider how we can observe the whole system, rather than its individual parts in isolation. This can be applied to ecological systems, social systems or organisational systems, and in applying the principle across myriad systems, is an example of the principle in action (in a meta kind of way!)
Here are five ways the principle could be applied to your business or organisation:
- Emphasize Systems Thinking: Understand the interconnected nature of systems and leverage points, to address issues and develop interventions by employing a systems-thinking approach, much like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Upskill your employees in systems thinking, so they can contribute to the integrated development of the business or organisation.
- Collaboration over Competition: Encourage a culture of collaboration among employees and departments instead of isolating and competing against one another. Emphasize unity and connectivity among people, processes, and resources throughout the entire organisation to foster a sustainable work environment. This can lead to improved financial returns and opportunities that might have been overlooked in a competitive environment. Engage employees and stakeholders from various departments on discussions on strategy and visioning across the organisation, fostering integrated solutions across different areas. Encourage peer learning and mentoring. Similarly engage with multiple stakeholders outside the organisation to encourage a diverse range of perspectives and identify new opportunities.
- Promote Inclusivity and Diversity: Encourage inclusive environments that value everyone’s contributions and foster diversity in backgrounds, thoughts, and perspectives to enrich the workplace, and encourage creativity and innovation. Be aware of the phenomena that we often like people most like ourselves, and consequently employ and promote people most like ourselves, leading to a situation where the decision makers in an organisation may have a similar and limited perspective.
- Closed Loop Design and Circular Economy: Align with the circular economy principles to create a system where resources are reused, recycled, or safely biodegraded back to natural sources, reducing waste generation and promoting integration. Partner with organisations in your supply chain and value chain to encourage integration of zero waste principles. Not only does this save resources, but it potentially saves money, and creates a ‘story’ about your brand or image to appeal to your customers.
- Consider Cooperative Models: Investigate social enterprise or shared cooperative models that prioritise community benefit and environmental stewardship alongside financial sustainability. What would your business or organisation look like if you adopted a different model? B-Corporation may be one model worth condsidering, that involves multiple metrics in addition to financial success.
Applying these five applications of the design principle “integrate rather than segregate” can help build a more robust, resilient, and sustainable business or organisation. How could you apply it in your organisation?
Interested in learning how systems thinking could benefit your organisation? Visit www.realearthsolutions.com/training for more information.