Systems thinking helps impact assessment (IA) practitioners understand complexity by recognizing how ecological, social, economic, political, and technological systems interact and influence outcomes. Rather than treating impacts in isolation, systems thinking focuses on cause–effect pathways, feedback loops, cumulative effects, and leverage points that shape long-term change. By questioning boundaries and assumptions, it supports more strategic, adaptive, and inclusive decision-making. Applied effectively, systems thinking shifts IA from siloed, linear analysis toward integrated approaches that address root causes, strengthen collaboration, and align interventions with broader sustainability goals.
Want to strengthen your IA practice? Download FasTips: Systems Thinking in Impact Assessment (December 2025) for five key principles and five practical actions to apply systems thinking in real-world IA.
About FasTips Series
The IAIA FasTips series delivers practical tips in a fast format. When time is short, FasTips provide quick advice without the need for formal guidance.
Designed for impact assessment (IA) professionals, FasTips clarify common questions. While they help refine best practices, they do not replace the IAIA Best Practice Principles series.
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