Ill-defined, complex problems often require systematic change in behavior and values. However, the uncertainty of such issues polarizes different stakeholders and impedes collaborative solutions. Traditional approaches to managing change are unable to deal with these situations, where both complexity and conflict are intensified. A new category of planning and change methods, nonsynoptic systems change, is emerging that better deals with such conditions. Despite its haphazard appearance, an underlying order exists within this type of systems change. Normative incrementalism, one specific change strategy within this type, is examined in detail. A variety of applications for the nonsynoptic approach is also considered.
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