Elements vs Interconnections

 

System Logic: Why Real Change Requires Rewiring Relationships

“Reform that changes elements is often absorbed by the system. But reform that changes interconnections—especially those that redistribute power—forces the system to confront its own logic.”

In systems thinking, the difference between changing elements and changing interconnections is crucial. Policing in the United States offers a clear example of this distinction.

The introduction of body cameras was widely heralded as a reform. Yet, as an elemental change, it did little to disrupt the system’s core behavior. Police departments adapted—restricting access to footage, controlling narratives, and selectively using the technology. The system absorbed the change, maintaining its function and authority.

In contrast, when citizens began recording police, a shift occurred in the interconnections of the system. This wasn’t just a new tool—it was a redistribution of power. Citizens became active agents in oversight, altering the flow of information and accountability. The system responded with resistance: arrests, intimidation, and legislative efforts to curtail public recording. These reactions reveal that the change was real—it touched the system’s logic, its control over narrative and legitimacy.

Systems preserve themselves by adapting to surface-level reforms. But when relationships, feedback loops, and flows of power are reconfigured, the system is forced to evolve—or defend itself.

A Moral Call to Action

If we are serious about transforming policing—or any entrenched institution—we must look beyond the parts and ask:
What are the interconnections that sustain this system?
Who controls the flow of information, power, and accountability?
What relationships must be reimagined to shift the system’s purpose?

Let us commit to identifying and changing the interconnections that matter most. That is where real transformation begins.

About the Author

Daryl Horton is a technical and creative writer who is passionate about being creative. He has comprehensive training in business information management, information systems management, and creative and technical writing. Daryl has the knowledge and skills to help organizations optimize their performance and maximize their potential. He spent several years in a Knowledge Management PhD program at Walden University, nearly completing it, but resigned from the program during his dissertation phase to pursue his passion for creativity (http://www.abolitic.com/). Despite his love for creativity, he often finds himself participating in groups where his technical experiences add value.

You can find more information about Daryl Horton on his LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/in/darylhorton/.

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