SATM 2.2 Methodology, Methods, and Meta-Methodology

Methodology concerns itself with the study of the principles of method use, in the sense that it sets out to describe and question the methods that might be employed in some activity. Methodology is, therefore, a higher-order term than methods and indeed, than procedures, models, tools, and techniques, the use of all of which can be facilitated, organized and reflected upon in methodology.

In systems thinking, for example, the Viable System Model (and there is often confusion over this) is simple a model employed to try to diagnose problems and to suggest how organizations might be designed. Methodology establishes the principles behind the use of such a model. As we shall see, the Viable System Model, the system dynamics method, etc., can all be used differently according to the methodology in which they are embedded.

Meta-methodology is at a higher level still and explores the nature and use of methodologies. It is term that is often employed in critical systems thinking where the relationship between methodologies is crucial and requires meta-methodological probing. The term method, methodology and meta-methodology are, therefore, in a hierarchical relationship to one another.

Part II of this volume details four types of systems methodology based upon the four most common research approaches found in the social sciences - functionalist, interpretive, emancipatory and postmodern. In each case the methods, models, tools and techniques most frequently associated with each methodology are also detailed. 

In part III of the book the debate, focussing now on critical systems thinking, is often at the meta-methodological level.

(Jackson, 2000, Systems approaches to Management, Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers. NY.)