This document discusses large systems change, which involves transformation on a global scale over long time frames involving many people and organizations. It provides examples of global action networks that drive systems-level change. It then compares three types of change: incremental, reform, and transformation. Transformation involves questioning purposes and creating previously unimagined possibilities using envisioning logic. The document asks how the different change types relate and how pathways to transformation can address blockages like entrenched power structures. Finally, it presents a model of an open system with different elements that must change for large-scale transformation.

1. The Work Context: Large Systems Change
 Scale
 Lots and lots of people, organizations
 Long time frames
 Multi-level, often global
 Transformation
 Examples:
 Global Action Networks – eg: Forest
Stewardship Council, Transparency Int’l, Global
Compact, Global Water Partnership
 Global change system for electricity

2. Change Type Incremental Reform Transformation
Learning Single loop Double loop Triple loop
Core
Question
How can we do
more of the
same? Are we
doing things right?
What rules shall we
create? What
structures,processes
do we need?
How do I make sense of this?
What is the purpose?
How do we know what is
best?
Purpose To expand historic
activity, improve
performance
To support moving into
new, defined activity
To innovate and create
previously unimagined
possibilities
Power Confirms existing
rules
Opens rules to revision Opens issue to new ways of
thinking about power
Action Logic Project
implementation
Piloting Experimenting
Archetypical
Actions
Copying,
duplicating
Changing policy,
adjusting, adapting
Visioning, experimenting,
inventing
Tools Logic Negotiation logic Mediation logic Envisioning logic
Success Efficiency Risk Management Inventiveness fit
LSC is Transformational
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3. Some key questions
1. What is the relationship
between the types of change?
2. What are pathways to
transformation between
“what changes”?
3. How do we address key
blockages to transformation?
Eg:
• Measurement approaches
• Funding
• Entrenched power
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Natural Environment
Societal memes,
values, beliefs
Social-
Political-Economic
Institutions
Technology
Individuals
An LSC perspective on
“what changes”