Table 1 Contrasting paradigms of governance of the twentieth century and an alternative paradigm emerging in the twenty-first century
From: Socio-ecological dynamics and challenges to the governance of Neglected Tropical Disease control
Dominant paradigm displayed in the twentieth century | Emerging alternative paradigms for the twenty-fist century |
|---|---|
Problem solving/goal seeking orientation | Learning orientation |
Focus on short term gains | Focus on sustainability and the long-term |
Assumed predictability and certainty | Unpredictability and uncertainty |
Control | Adaptive/reflexive/transitional management |
Linear causality | Recognition for holistic/integrative thinking |
One “truth” or best answer | No final “best” answer |
Observer status objective | Observer status is constructed/subjective |
Focuses on parts | Focuses on the whole |
Analysis/reduction | Synthesis |
Structural constancy | Structural changes affect function |
Asymptotic stability | Multiple stable states |
Reliance on simple cause and effect | Recognition of emergent properties of systems |
Assumes systems models to be models of the world (ontologies) | Assumes systems models to be intellectual constructs (epistemologies) |
Science and technology have the required answers | Scepticism and critical evaluation of science and technology |
Talks the language of problems and solutions | Talks the language of “situation of concern” accommodations |