Systems Approach

Using a Systems Approach

Hulihia provides the transdisciplinary expertise in sustainability needed to implement community-based solutions to achieve a higher level of sustainability for Maui Nui. Sustainability modeling gives the community a more comprehensive understanding of the issue's complexity and key leverage points to initiate change that will lead to a more balanced relationship with resources.

These models provide decision-makers throughout the community with the necessary tools to make decisions that will achieve a sustainable future for Maui Nui.

Systems Modeling

The figure above is a causal loop diagram developed by Hulihia demonstrating the interconnectedness of social determinants of health, patient experience, and capacity sufficiency. View model details here.

Systems Thinking Iceberg Model

The "Systems Thinking Iceberg" is a metaphorical representation that illustrates the hidden, underlying causes behind events. Similar to icebergs, we only see a small part of complex problems - the event. Events let us know that a problem exists, but it doesn’t tell us why.

When we look under the surface, we can see the patterns and trends of these events. This starts to broaden our understanding of what is happening and how often.

Going a level deeper uncovers the structures that support this behavior over time. This is where we see the interconnections of events and patterns and identify driving forces. Policies, physical environments, and organizations can all be a part of the structure level.

Finally, we reach the deepest part of the iceberg to encounter mental models. Mental models are our underlying values and beliefs that shape our behavior and perception of the world. Mental models are the foundation of systems and are pivotal in shaping the structure and functioning of our world as we know it.

By looking beyond events to understand the root causes of a problem, we can find more effective, sustainable solutions.

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