Seeking out the issues

Strategic decision-making, to be effective, must take account of the prevailing issues in the subject organization. Without an assessment of those internal factors that contribute to the success or otherwise of any new or existing venture, the chances of a chosen strategy succeeding are considerably reduced. This article examines the use of Soft Systems Methodology for drawing out issues that set the agenda for debate about internal improvements, and those that condition the views of the analyst when advising on strategies for change.