GENDER DIFFERENCES IN PRACTITIONERS' PREFERENCES FOR SYSTEMS-THINKING SKILLS

摘要

The exponential enhancement of technology embedded in interdependent systems has led to increased difficulty and complexity in problem-solving and decision-making in any system of systems domains, including healthcare, infrastructure and utility networks, business structures, military combat systems and others. Systems thinking (ST) paradigm offer a shift in the worldview into how complex systems are perceived, assessed, managed, and governed. Addressing problems in complex systems need not only technical knowledge but also consideration for inherent individual differences, including differences in gender. This study compares the differences in systems skills/preferences across genders using multi-group structural equation modeling approach. The paper concludes with the discussion of results, limitations of the research, and directions for future studies.