A critical systems thinking approach to planning: the importance of boundary critique and ethics

In this paper, I propose a critical approach support planning in organisations. The approach emphasises critical reflection about the assumptions that participants adopt to guide their inquiry. It is inspired in critical systems thinking, a research perspective that encourages the analysis of stakeholders understanding prior to the selection of planning methods. The practical application of the approach in a Colombian university provided useful insights into the use of OR methods, as well as ethics involved in the process. The latter aspects suggests the need to complement the approach with a deeper understanding of ethical issues involved in planning.