The Systems Work of Social Change

Reviews / Votes

Rayner and Bonnici demonstrate the power of building institutions capable of integrated analysis and adaptive learning, as well as challenge us to confront old ways of thinking that may have served us in an earlier era but clearly no longer do so. * Alex Counts, Stanford Social Innovation Review * For those around the world who aspire to change our social, environmental, and economic systems to improve society, Bonnici and Rayner's book is an indispensable read. Building on both research and experience, they uncover the principles and practices of systems change through rich examples that span the globe. With special attention to the role of context and power, this book is a roadmap for deep change in tackling today's multiple crises around the world. * Julie Battilana, Alan L. Gleitsman Professor of Social Innovation, Harvard Kennedy School; Founder and Faculty Chair of the Social Innovation and Change Initiative at HKS * Francois Bonnici and Cynthia Rayner have researched, distilled, and fast forwarded two hundred years of social change-making to present innovative, highly workable solutions that can guide us to achieving 21st century changes that benefit the planet and its inhabitants. As they present so clearly and compellingly, it's not necessarily the outcomes, but rather the journey toward reaching them, that can make the most impact. Nuanced and profound, The Systems Work of Social Change is the "rethink" we need right now to chart a better path for community, social, and economic development worldwide. Social change should now more aptly be referred to as "The Systems Work of Social Change." * Frank Beadle de Palomo, President and Chief Executive Officer, mothers2mothers * I loved reading this book! Cynthia Rayner and Francois Bonnici have done a great job in combining complex academic concepts with an easy to read style for practitioners. The authors go beyond the theoretical discussions of systems change to provide principles and practices that really are the "how-to" of systems work. They encourage funders, social entrepreneurs, and policymakers not only to do something radically different but to understand our social systems in radically different ways. I strongly recommend you read it - it will set you thinking differently... * Jeroo Billimoria, Founder and Serial Social Entrepreneur, Catalyst 2030 and One Family Foundation * Addressing inequalities and deep-rooted injustices in our society requires a clear vision of the world we want and a process to get there. In The Systems Work of Social Change, Cynthia and Francois clearly articulate the key lessons and principles by which we can get there. A must read for those who believe that together we can build a better world! * Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director, UNAIDS * Cynthia Rayner and Francois Bonnici have written an important book. It will guide those who work in and think about systems change for a generation. It moves us beyond a recognition that things are complex and connected and towards an understanding of values and action in change-work. A breakthrough book. * Stephan Chambers, Director, Marshall Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science * The authors have drawn from eight organisations on almost every continent that are examples of what Mahatma Gandhi called 'constructive action'. He believed that all such action showed us the path towards an alternative vision of society based on truth, non-violence and social justice. By analysing their own experiences with candour, and reflecting on the experiences of others, what emerges is a lucidly written and cogently argued book putting forward the case for a systemic approach to social change. They argue that a fundamental restructuring of social and environmental systems is necessary to undo the deep inequalities, multi-level injustices and the global environmental crisis. * Mirai Chatterjee, Chairperson, Self-Employed Women's Association Cooperative Federation * A deceptively simple question lies at the heart of Cynthia Rayner and Francois Bonnici's vital new book: how do organizations create social change? Rayner and Bonnici lay out a textured view of social systems in all their depth, complexity and scale and do what all good leaders and learners do when confronted with an abundance of data-they change their minds. The authors ultimately conclude that systems can't be fixed but they can be changed through the systems work of organizations ensuring key actors are connected to one another, acting with creativity and dynamism and thus able to make decisions in responsive and representative ways. The Systems Work of Social Change walks the reader through the principles and practices of systems work and what it takes to support this approach to social change but it is also nothing less than a radical reframing of how we all need to work moving forward to reimagine a just future. * Cheryl L. Dorsey, President, Echoing Green * Rayner and Bonnici have given us a powerful and incisive guide to the work of systems change. They show us that the process of change matters as much, if not more, than outcomes-where our deepest work is to cultivate values, collectives, and equitable reconfigurations of power. In a world beset by wicked problems, this book illuminates a way forward. * Alnoor Ebrahim, Professor, The Fletcher School at Tufts University, and author of Measuring Social Change: Performance and Accountability in a Complex World * The work of transformational social change is never linear, often messy, and inherently pluralistic. Francois Bonnici and Cynthia Rayner take us on a journey through the experiences of eight remarkable organizations-many of whom are Skoll Foundation Awardees. Each offers a unique perspective on the complex work of durable, meaningful, systems-level change. Particularly illuminating is the authors' contribution in illustrating the major mind shift needed from funders to effectively identify, evaluate, and support the "invisible value" created by systems actors. Doers and donors alike will find in this book indispensable tools for ambitious, forward-thinking systemic work. * Ambassador Don Gips ret., Chief Executive Officer, Skoll Foundation * Systems Thinking' is all the rage, but too often, it is just that - thinking, without much practical consequence for those of us intent on changing the world. Building on a deep study of practical exercises in social change, Bonnici and Rayner have helped fill the gap, charting an original and important approach to 'Systems Work' that will be of great utility to social change activists and practitioners everywhere.' * Duncan Green, Senior Strategic Adviser, Oxfam GB and author of How Change Happens and From Poverty to Power * Systemic problems require systemic solutions. Fortunately, there is increasing recognition among social purpose organizations, funders, and policymakers that a systems mindset and systems change approach will be necessary to successfully address the world's most important problems. But it raises important practical questions: How specifically do organizations create systemic social change? How do funders best identify and support systems changing organizations? On these critical questions, Rayner and Bonnici provide a fabulous and practical set of insights and lessons on "systems work" extracted from some of the world's most successful social innovators. If you are a "Doer" with aspirations of making systems-changing social impact, or a Donor who desires to support work that creates social impact at population scale, this book is a must-read. * Tim Hanstad, CEO, Chandler Foundation * Systems change is much in the water of social change these days. Yet many remain unclear about what systems change is and how to do it. Through insightful, practical frameworks and clear, compelling examples Bonnici and Rayner get to the heart of the "work" of systems change. In doing so, they have created an indispensable guide for social change aspirants everywhere. * John Kania, Founder and Executive Director, Collective Change Lab * Systems are defined not by their parts, but by the relationships between the parts. Yet too few discussions of systemic social change are grounded in deep understanding of human relationships, and too many are coloured by ideas of industrial production that don't necessarily apply. This book not only explains why this is true, but howwe should be working based on that knowledge. Highly recommended. * Harvey Koh, Managing Director, FSG and Board Member, Social Innovation Exchange * Transformational systems work is anything but linear - leaders doing this work need the flexibility to adapt their approaches to their particular context. Francois Bonnici and Cynthia Rayner offer perspectives on both the complexity of systems work and the most helpful principles and practices. I especially appreciated the discussions about reconfiguring power towards those who have lived experienced of issues and are rooted in the communities where they seek change. Highly recommend this book for practitioners and funders alike. * Olivia Leland, Founder and CEO of Co-Impact * What a delight to read this book!!! Exactly what we need, no bullshit but an honest taking stock of what system work entails. Cynthia Rayner and Francois Bonnici provide us with principles and practices for systems work distilled from their deep engagement with organizations doing social change. A must read for researchers and practitioners interested in system change. * Johanna Mair, Professor of Organization, Strategy and Leadership, Hertie School of Governance, Academic Editor of the Stanford Social Innovation Review * Great insights! The Systems Work of Social Change shines a needed light on some of the key factors that power systems change: connection, context and power. The authors combine practical experience and research, providing a critical balance by grounding the theoretical in the real struggle of those engaged in improving lives in their communities. From the perspective of our social change networks in Latin America, I can say that the conclusions and recommendations ring true, and I am sure they will be relevant to those engaged in similar causes around the world. * Sean McKaughan, Board Chair Fundacion Avina and author of CollaborAction: A Practical Guide to Promoting Sustainability * For too long, social problems have been viewed as a set of unfortunate circumstances to be remedied by the goodwill and good deeds of the privileged. Nelson Mandela notably stated, "Poverty is not an accident. Like slavery and apartheid, it is man-made and can be removed by the actions of human beings." The Systems Work of Social Change unpacks how our approach to social change is a product of the industrial era, characterized by attempts to correct complex problems with complicated technical solutions. By listening to and observing the deep work of organizations that place mothers, families, young people, teachers and informal workers at the forefront of decision making, Rayner and Bonnici demonstrate that the collective power and voice of the most marginalized groups are in fact central to societal transformation. * Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Motsepe Foundation and Chancellor, University of Cape Town * A very readable and thoughtful overview of systems change which has the great virtue of rooting it in the messy complexities of the real world and avoiding the abstractions and over-generalisation that is all too common in writing on this subject. Most social change that really matters involves trying to shift systems. It's always hard and often frustrating, especially if you start with little power or money. But this is a practical guide that reminds us that even the most apparently immovable interests can be overcome and even the most apparently intractable problems can be solved. * Professor Sir Geoff Mulgan, University College London * Cynthia Rayner and Francois Bonnici have taken the oft quoted but seldom understood concepts of systems thinking and shown how they can, and have, been translated into practical action by social impact practitioners at both global and local levels. * James Mwangi, Executive Director of The Dalberg Group * Rayner and Bonnici provide an easy to read and detailed guide on how to create drive change via systems work. Starting with an in-depth analysis on past lessons learned over the last 240 years, this work artfully presents various key elements that navigate the process of change. With a strong acknowledgement on the importance of context, the authors provide clear and concise guidelines on how organisations can harness the current momentum for lasting, systematic change. * Kennedy Odede, Co-Founder and CEO, SHOFCO and Global Alliance for Communities * The rise of modern states and markets notwithstanding, even today swathes of humanity are adrift abode flimsy rafts of circumstance on oceans of misfortune. Condemned to hope for rescue, these among us inhabit a despairing parallel reality. Hearteningly, some manage to navigate to calmer waters or even the safety of shore. It is from their unlikely stories that Rayner and Bonnici distill fundamental lessons about sustained systemic social change. If aspiration, ability, and action are the keys to self-sate life's chronic needs, the authors show us that it is by connecting, contextualizing, and configuring proximate social, political, and economic energies that "primary actors" can foster suitable systems of self-support. This is a timely and important contribution to our understanding of societal progress. * Subi Rangan, The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court Endowed Chair in Societal Progress, INSEAD * In an era when all of us in the social sector are being asked to do more with less, talking about changing systems is easy but doing it is not. This book unpacks the nuances, gets grounded and shares real insights. It helps you to think big without ignoring the smaller, unsexy details of ground delivery. Must read. * Asif Saleh, Executive Director, BRAC * demonstrating that an inclusive and sustainable future is possible. This book presents nothing less than a blueprint for deep social change in a post-Covid world. * Klaus Schwab, Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum & Hilde Schwab, Chairperson, Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship * Cynthia Rayner and Francois Bonnici masterfully synthesize deep reflections and insights on the significance, direction, and legitimacy of social change and the complexities and efforts involved in the work of change. An important text for theory and practice that transcends the usual vague system change discourses. * Christian Seelos, Distinguished Fellow and Director of the Global Innovation for Impact Lab, Stanford University Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society * The time of looking around the world and fixing all that is broken is past. The profound social and ecological imbalances that characterize our modern world are inseparable from the level of consciousness out of which they have arisen - that is, our level of consciousness. What Rayner and Bonnici call "systems work" illuminates the almost always overlooked source of deep change - as biologist Humberto Maturana puts it, "it is only through reflection that we change our history." * Peter Senge, Founder of the Society for Organizational Learning and author of The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning * The Systems Work of Social Change contrasts technical and transformational approaches to systems change: top down, product-first approaches and bottom-up, people-first approaches. Building on a rich set of case studies from around the globe, drawing fully upon the broad literature of systems change, and reflecting deeply on their own experiences, Rayner and Bonnici provide a set of clear and pragmatic insights for people grappling with solving the world's problems large and small. While I am an experienced social entrepreneur-and Dean of a school that emphasizes systems change-I found myself learning so much as I read this extraordinary book from cover to cover. In a world facing so many challenges, The System Work of Social Change distils lessons that provide insight and hope. * Professor Peter Tufano, Peter Moores Dean, Said Business School, University of Oxford * Despite significant socio-economic progress in the post-war era, we have also seen rising inequality, power concentration, and a shortsighted use of natural resources. In The Systems Work of Social Change, Bonnici and Rayner highlight how leading organizations can steer private and public cooperation, pioneer new policy models, and harness fourth industrial revolution technologies, Through a global lens and the lived experiences of leading social entrepreneurs, Francois Bonnici and Cynthia Rayner bring us a view of how social change does happen. It is a book that speaks to the moment - the deep and critical structural challenges and the hope for future change as we continue to work for the good of all. Most importantly, they remind us that it is people who build systems and therefore people who have the ability to reimagine and build them anew. * Diana Wells, President Emerita, Ashoka *