Organisational Observation and Kanban
Approach
Organisations are observed as social systems that reproduce themselves through decisions, or more precisely, through communications of decisions. Structures stabilise expectations for subsequent decisions.
Observing Organisations Through Their Operations
Observation operates through distinction and indication. What becomes relevant as information is determined in subsequent communication.
Design Changes What Can Follow
Kanban practices are not introduced as a ready-made operating model. They serve as interventions that enable communication, decisions and learning loops.
Observe
Systems-theoretical observation examines how communication takes place within systems, which expectations exist, and how decisions are facilitated or obstructed.
Design
Kanban makes work and obstacles visible, establishes observable feedback loops and thereby changes the conditions for subsequent decisions.
Principles
Change as Evolution
Change can only proceed from an organisation's current state.
Phenomena Before Solutions
First, describe what observably happens and how the organisation responds.
Interventions as Hypotheses
Every change is treated as a testable assumption with a limited scope.
Evolution Rather Than Revolution
Sustainable structures emerge through small, observable changes. Feedback loops create recurring opportunities for self-observation and subsequent decisions.