I may have used the phrase “systems and structures” passingly in earlier episodes of this series. And it occurs to me to shed some light on how systems and structures ultimately facilitate fulfilment.
A System is any construct that coordinates people, rules, and processes, a set of steps designed to achieve a result. It centres around relationships, structure, and purpose. It’s not just the parts — it’s how the parts interact to produce something bigger than any one piece.
A structure, on the other hand, is the way something is organised, built, or arranged so that it can function, hold together or make sense.
It’s about parts forming a stable whole, either physically, logically, or conceptually.
Systems and structures, together, connote an institutionalised acceptable scope of reference. A form of orderliness, competence and intentionality that prioritises an objective or goal above sentiments, personal whims and endless trails-
The existence of broad-based systems and structures is at the core of society’s functionality, as it spells the baselines that define our collective humanity and builds communities that project the interest of the majority. Overall, systems and structures define a baseline and foster or promote collective bargains.
Systems and structures are the drivers of developmental tendencies, as defined by consistency, continuity, and predictability. Persons and enterprises cannot subsist perpetually in survival mode, with time, entities must transit from survival mode to thrive mode by optimising functionality like clockwork.
Because the basis of all human endeavour is considerable predictability with implementation. Therefore, institutionalisation ought to be prioritised and aligned with desired outcomes.
Systems and Structures prescribe the balance in our daily routines and interactions, and shape outcomes on the homefront, workplace, enterprises, relationships, and community.
In organisations, systems and structures highlight the efficient productivity and continuity that we recognise in its culture and behaviour.
Stakeholders by implementing systems and structures can prioritise an all-inclusive consideration for a broad spectrum of society by highlighting welfare and well-being especially for the relatively disadvantaged or vulnerable.
This intentionality portrays a level playing field for all and sundry and create the impression that no one is being left behind. The existence and entrenchment of systems and structures is one of the stark differences between the Developed world and the Developing world: the prevalence, existence and availability of a social safety net, a baseline consideration, below which interventions become a collective and mandatory responsibility.
Narrowing in on how this relates to our broad theme of fulfilment. I will wrap up by stating that the entrenchment of systems and structures reflect a measure of predictability and or conformity in our routines and aspirations, which in communicates predictability and empowers in our pursuits and endeavours. Understand that the ease with which, or the extent to which, you can disrupt will depend largely on the extent of conformity already pre-established.