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Teaching Material

The System Within: Inner Dimensions in Sustainability Transformation

Target GroupBachelor, Executive Education, Master, PhDResource TypeArticleDomainConcept of System TransformationAuthorJamie Bristow, Rosie Bell, Phoebe Tickell, Julia Kim, Christine Wamsler, Otto Scharmer, Tomas Björkman
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Summary

  •  This deep-dive paper helps students understand the critical role of inner dimensions (psychology, consciousness, and culture) in sustainability transformation. Students develop a holistic perspective on systems change by exploring how human cognition, emotions, and cultural narratives influence environmental and social challenges.

Relevant SDGs

Icon für SDG 4Icon für SDG 11

How to use

  •  It can serve as a foundational reading in seminar discussions, or as a theoretical framework for research projects exploring the human dimensions of sustainability challenges.
  •  Faculty should introduce the paper’s key concepts gradually, potentially pairing it with case studies that illustrate the interaction between inner and outer dimensions of system change. The material works well for facilitated discussions and reflective assignments.

Teaching format tip

Article

Structure engagement around personal connection and critical reflection. Students should process challenging ideas while relating content to their own experiences and developing perspectives. Use articles to stimulate thinking and encourage deeper engagement with complex topics.

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  • Resources
    Subject area
    • General KnowledgeThis section provides general frameworks and concepts related to sustainability that can be used in any discipline and across industries.
    • Specific KnowledgeThis section provides sustainability related content that would enable students following a business or management degree or course to be better equipped to face sustainability related challenges.
      • Economics
      • Management
      • Finance, banking, insurance
      • Marketing and advertising
    Competence area
    • Problem-solving
    • Critical thinking
    • Self-awareness
    • Collaboration
    • Normative awareness
    • Anticipatory thinking
    • Systems thinking
    • Strategy
    Learning approach
    • Cognitive learning
    • Socio-emotional learning
    • Behavioural learning
    • Subject area
      • General KnowledgeGeneral knowledge represents foundational understanding across multiple disciplines needed for sustainable development. It creates an integrated mindset that connects basic and advanced topics across various knowledge domains.
      • Economics
      • Management
      • Finance, banking, insurance
      • Marketing and advertising
    • Skill area
      • Problem-solving
      • Critical thinking
      • Self-awareness
      • Collaboration
      • Normative awareness
      • Anticipatory thinking
      • Systems thinking
      • Strategy
    • Learning approach
      • Cognitive learning
      • Socio-emotional learning
      • Behavioural learning
  • Communities
  • Education for sustainability
  • About us
  • Resources
    Subject area
    • General KnowledgeThis section provides general frameworks and concepts related to sustainability that can be used in any discipline and across industries.
    • Specific KnowledgeThis section provides sustainability related content that would enable students following a business or management degree or course to be better equipped to face sustainability related challenges.
      • Economics
      • Management
      • Finance, banking, insurance
      • Marketing and advertising
    Competence area
    • Problem-solving
    • Critical thinking
    • Self-awareness
    • Collaboration
    • Normative awareness
    • Anticipatory thinking
    • Systems thinking
    • Strategy
    Learning approach
    • Cognitive learning
    • Socio-emotional learning
    • Behavioural learning
    • Subject area
      • General KnowledgeGeneral knowledge represents foundational understanding across multiple disciplines needed for sustainable development. It creates an integrated mindset that connects basic and advanced topics across various knowledge domains.
      • Economics
      • Management
      • Finance, banking, insurance
      • Marketing and advertising
    • Skill area
      • Problem-solving
      • Critical thinking
      • Self-awareness
      • Collaboration
      • Normative awareness
      • Anticipatory thinking
      • Systems thinking
      • Strategy
    • Learning approach
      • Cognitive learning
      • Socio-emotional learning
      • Behavioural learning
  • Communities
  • Education for sustainability
  • About us
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