Organizational Development for Knowledge Management at Water ...

6. Distinguishing between
perceived and actual
states, such as ―Perceived
Quality‖ vs. ―Ac tual
Quality,‖ is important.
Perceptions often lag
reality, and mistaking the
perceived status for current
reality can e misleading
and create undesirable
results.
7. If there are multiple
consequences of a
variable, start by lumping
them into one term while
finishing the rest of the
loop. For example,
―Coping Strategies‖ can
represent many different
ways we respond to stress
(exercise, meditation,
alcohol use, etc.)
8. There are almost always
differing long-term and
short-term consequences
of actions. Draw loops
with increasing radius as
they progress from shortterm
behavior of using
alcohol to combat stress.
Loop R1, however, draws
out the long-term
consequences which will
actually increase stress.
The two vertical lines
crossing the line between
―Alcohol Use‖ and ―Health‖
indicate a delay.
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