Day 9: Iceberg Model for Discovering Causes

Today you will learn what the iceberg model in systems thinking is, why using the iceberg model will help you discover deeper underlying causes to problems, and how to use the iceberg model to address the climate change problem.

Summary

What is the Iceberg Model?

The iceberg model is a metaphor often used in systems thinking to illustrate the visible and hidden aspects of a system or a problem. Just as an iceberg has a small visible portion above the waterline and a vast unseen portion beneath it, systems also have observable elements and underlying dynamics that are not immediately apparent.

Layers of the Iceberg Model:

• Visible portion: The tip of the iceberg represents the visible elements of an event or a problem. These are the aspects that are easily noticeable, tangible, and often the focus of initial attention
• Under the surface lie 1) the patterns of behavior over time that have led to this event, 2) the systemic structures, which cause patterns to occur, 3) mental models such as psychological/biological factors, mindsets, worldviews, belief systems, and values that lead us to create the systems that contribute to the problems in question.
  

Why Use the Iceberg Model?

The iceberg model is used to identify the causes of problems at several levels so that we can identify leverage points for creating the most effective solutions.

The iceberg model highlights the importance of looking beyond the surface and delving into the underlying complexities of a system or problem. While addressing visible symptoms might provide short-term relief, understanding the hidden dynamics is crucial for sustainable solutions. Systems thinkers emphasize the need to explore the root causes, interconnectedness, and systemic influences that often drive the visible outcomes.

How to use the iceberg model

Undertake the following steps to use the iceberg model:

• Identify the problem, in our case its the problems associated with our global challenge.
• Next, use the iceberg model to probe deeper into causes of the problem.
• At each level, the most important question to keep asking in the process of identifying the causes of problems is “Why?”
  

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Additional Resources

• Thinking in Systems by Donella H Meadows
• Systems Thinking Resources by Donella H Meadows
• Systems Thinking Video Series by Ashley Hodgson

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Activity

In the next portion of the course we will look at root causes associated with our global challenge. These causes may fit in several layers of your iceberg model. Again, I urge you to keep looking for the unseen causes. These will just get you started.

For your activity, start identifying and mapping the causes related to the global challenge.

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Skill Lesson Mastered

Demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills presented in this lesson by applying it to the above activity. If, and only if, you have a full understanding and have mastered the knowledge and skills presented in this lesson, select the next lesson in the navigation.