The Research Center on Systems Thinking in Human Services
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Research for Social Change
The Research Center on Systems Thinking in Human Services advances systems thinking as the essential framework for understanding, designing, and leading human service organizations to enable person-centered, adaptive, and effective service delivery.
Historical Context: The field of human services, particularly systems supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), has evolved dramatically over the past seven decades—from institutionalization to deinstitutionalization, from segregation to community inclusion, and from paternalistic care to self-determination. Yet despite these philosophical shifts and the investments in community-based services, families and individuals with IDD continue to experience fragmented, difficult-to-navigate service systems characterized by silos, gaps, duplications, and inequitable access.
Thought Leadership and Knowledge Creation : The Center establishes NOIRE as the premier source of systems thinking scholarship tailored explicitly to human services contexts.
Knowledge Area Modules
Each research center within the National Organization for Interdisciplinary Research and Evaluation focuses on specialized domains of expertise that advance NOIRE's mission. We call these integration points Knowledge Areas Modules (KAM). Each KAM is a comprehensive unit of study encompassing theoretical foundations (Breadth), current research developments (Depth), and practical applications (Application) within a specific area germane to its parent research center's focus.
General Systems Theory
General Systems Theory
This knowledge area provides the theoretical foundation for the Center's work, grounding inquiry in established systems theory while extending applications to human services contexts. The module examines core systems concepts—boundaries, feedback loops, emergence, delays, leverage points, system archetypes—and demonstrates their relevance for understanding persistent challenges in IDD services
Social Innovation-Collective Impact
Social Innovation-Collective Impact
This knowledge area examines how organizations move beyond isolated programmatic interventions toward collaborative approaches that engage multiple stakeholders in shared efforts to transform service systems
Applied
Applied
Systems
Systems
Thinking
Thinking
This knowledge area addresses the critical gap between systems theory and everyday practice. While general systems theory provides a conceptual foundation, this module focuses on how systems thinking can be taught, learned, and applied by human service professionals navigating real-world complexity. The emphasis is on accessibility, practical utility, and sustainable integration into practice rather than technical sophistication
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