The Change Process – Agreeing on a Partner and a Mental Map

In a systems map, sometimes called a causal loop diagram, two types of connections define complex social interactions. A reinforcing loop or connection magnifies and supports any existing situation or change initiative, regardless of whether the situation or change is positive or negative. A balancing loop counteracts the situation or change represented in the diagram. “Behind every growth or decay is at least one reinforcing loop. For every goal-seeking behavior, there is a balancing loop” resisting achievement of the goal (Kim, 2018). For this assignment, you will work with the same nonprofit organization and issue addressed in the Module 3 assignment. You will investigate a potential partner for the organization to address the issue identified in Module 3 and justify your selection in a 1-page paper. You will also research systems mapping and begin designing a systems map which you will finalize in the Module 5 assignment. Step 1. Analyze Referring to the key stakeholder groups you identified in your Module 3 assignment, analyze those who make contributions to solving the issue, those who oppose addressing the issue, and those who may be exacerbating the issue either intentionally or unintentionally. Likewise, analyze current processes, policies or regulations, and structures to determine which exacerbate the issue or fail to impact it at all and which contribute to progress toward the ultimate desired outcome defined in your Module 3 assignment. Organize your analysis in a format of your choice for your own reference. Step 2. Suggest and Justify Investigate and suggest at least one potential partner organization which could assist in moving toward the ultimate desired outcome. Consider the partnership life cycle in the article listed on the Learning Objects page. Justify your selection in a 1-page summary. Step 3. Research Using the ACE library and other sources, research systems mapping (or causal loop diagrams) and strategies to engage stakeholders in systems mapping. Pay particular attention to the differences between reinforcing loops and balancing loops. Step 4. Begin Designing Using the examples in the module readings and your research, begin designing a systems map. Including the issue and the factors (actions, policies, stakeholders, etc.) currently impacting the nonprofit organization’s actions to resolve the issue and attain the ultimate long-term desired outcome. You may draw the systems map on a piece of paper or create it using a digital tool of your choice. You will incorporate an image of your final systems map into an audiovisual presentation for your Module 5 assignment. Step 5. Submit Submit your 1-page summary from Step 2 along with APA-formatted title and reference pages.