Use of System Archetypes in Solving Complex Management Problems
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Submission date: 2025-11-18
Final revision date: 2026-05-14
Acceptance date: 2026-05-19
Publication date: 2026-06-30
Organizacja i Zarządzanie 2026;93:25-38
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ABSTRACT
The article analyzes the application of system archetypes in solving complex management problems within organizations. Traditional problem-solving methods often prove insufficient when faced with the complexity of interconnections and dynamic behavioral patterns in organizational systems. In response to these challenges, systemic approaches, including the use of system archetypes, are gaining increasing importance. The aim of this paper is to examine how archetypes support the identification of problem sources and the design of effective strategies for their resolution. The research question posed is: “How does the literature describe the use of system archetypes in solving organizational and team-related problems?”
The analysis is based on a systematic literature review (SLR). The results indicate that archetypes such as “Shifting the Burden” and “Limits to Growth” are most commonly applied, as they enable organizations to recognize recurring problem patterns, avoid short-term fixes, and design sustainable interventions. Archetypes are valuable both for organizations and employees—they support decision-making processes, improve team efficiency, and facilitate daily work by reducing the risk of recurring problems in the future. Integrating archetypes with problem-solving methodologies can deliver significant operational and strategic benefits.