o soFt sYstEMs tHiNKiNG E A soFt sYstEMs MEtHodoloGY SOFT SYSTEMS THINKING AND SOFT SYSTEMS METHODOLOGY

The aim of this theoretical essay is to characterize Soft Systems Thinking (SST), in general, and Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), in particular. The philosophical and sociological principles of interpretivist systems thinking are explained and the main typical features of the approaches connected with it are explored. It is hoped that the study contributes, firstly, to the expansion of the dissemination of SST and SSM in the academic and business environments. However, another aim is to foster theoretical reflections when researchers apply interpretive systems methodologies, so as to overcome the undesirable instrumental bias perceived in a large part of the national publications in the area.