Scriptapedia/Elephant

Context and Purpose This script is used to introduce group model building participants to the concept of system dynamics. The purpose of the script is to provide a universal and easy to understand metaphor for complex systems. Status Under development Primary nature of group task Presentation Time Preparation time: 5 minutes Time required during session: 5 minutes Materials Paper or electronic image of elephant Inputs Diagram of elephant Outputs Familiarity with complex systems Roles Facilitator with training in system dynamics or community based system dynamics Steps center|thumb|Example of Diagram of an Elephant Before the session begins, display the image of the elephant on a screen or produce paper copies of the elephant image. The facilitator begins by stating “This exercise is intended to help us start thinking in terms of systems” The facilitator then passes out copies of the elephant image or directs people towards the projected image The facilitator explains that this image is based off an ancient parable, often referred to as the blind men and an elephant Participants are then asked if anyone has seen or heard of the story before, if participants have heard of it they are invited to share out their version of the story The facilitator briefly shares what is going on in the image. Each blind person feels a different part of the elephant's body; and exclaims “It’s a spear, It’s a snake, It’s a wall, It’s a tree stump, It’s a fan, It’s a rope”. Participants are asked to share what they think the image means Facilitator then affirms participants statements and clarifies as needed Facilitator then relates the image back to the purpose of the group model building by stating, “We all see components of a system and often the entire picture or system is complex, through the activities today we hope to gain a more complete view of our system as it relates to _______ (topic)”. Participants are told they can keep image of elephant if they like. Evaluation Criteria Participants identify sub-components of the larger “elephant” system Participants are engaged and share their own interpretations of the parable Participants relate elephant metaphor to the complex problem they are currently modeling Authors Peter Hovmand History The parable of the blind men and an elephant dates back to ancient Indian and Buddhist text. It was first used in a system dynamics context by Peter Hovmand in his introduction of system dynamics to students at Washington University in St. Louis. Revisions Kelly Connor, 2017 References https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blind_men_and_an_elephant Notes The script is mostly a presentation, but interactive in nature and an important function of this script is to engage participants in thinking about systems and share their interpretation of the parable.