Andrew 'twiggy' Forrest Donates $400m, the 'biggest Single Philanthropic Gift' by Living Person

Newspaper Article 1: Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest donates $400m, the 'biggest single philanthropic gift' by living person.

• Four Levels of Thinking: The four levels of thinking shows the depth of thinking in a vertical way by focusing on events, patterns, systemic structures and mental model (Knight, 2018). Firstly, the most visible part is the events level which often requires immediate attention and response (Knight, 2018). In the article, the event is the $400m donated by Mr Forest which was described as the 'biggest single philanthropic gift' in Australian history and was the largest donation by a living Australian (Dorsett & Hayne, 2017). Secondly, the patterns which consists of changes in variables that occur over time, whereby many events make up a pattern (Knight, 2018). From the article, the pattern are the money being donated to higher education to fight various causes (Dorsett & Hayne, 2017). Thirdly, the systemic structure level create and support the patterns we see in the events, in other words it causes patterns such as political, environmental, economic, social and legal system. In the article, the systemic structure is the act of philanthropic which will be contributed to the Australian community and it will change both the lives of thousands people in Australia and the worldwide (Dorsett & Hayne, 2017). Lastly, the fourth level which is the mental model, described as an individual’s beliefs, assumptions and values which cause the structure to be the way it is (Knight, 2018). In the article, Mr Forest and his wife have a long history of donating to philanthropic causes, with having the mental model of giving it away (Dorsett & Hayne, 2017).

• Senge’s Systems Thinking Principles: The influential systems thinking work by Senge has suggested few systems laws that could help people understand systems better (Senge, PM et.al, 1995). One of the principles can be relate to the article is ‘small changes can product big results – but the areas of highest leverage are often the least obvious’. It is said that small and precise actions can product significant improvements only when well placed (Senge, PM et.al, 1995). In the article, Dawn Freshwater said "we see this as an opportunity to build a powerhouse of activity in areas that are really going to be life-changing and making a real difference to the communities” (Dorsett & Hayne, 2017). Hence, the donation contributed to the University of Western Australia could make significant changes which will lead to a long lasting improvement only if they utilize the resources appropriately. Secondly, time delay are to ensure taking into account the necessary time delays (Senge, PM et.al, 1995). In the article, the results of life-changing and making a real difference to the communities can be positive or negative, hence people are encouraged not to expect immediate change and commit to constantly examining how a system is working.

• Links & Loops: “Links” shows the causal links among variables with arrows from a cause to an effect, which represent an influence on another element, for example, A has an influence on B (Knight, 2018). In the article, when the donation would be used for a range of initiatives (causes), eventually it will change the lives of Australians and around the world (effect). While a “loop” is a circle of causality in which every element is both cause and effect influenced by some and influencing others. There are two types of loop representing of all systems, one of them are reinforcing loop which generate either exponential growth or collapse in which continues at an ever-increasing rate (Senge, PM et.al, 1995). In the article, Mr Forest and his wife donated $400m for good causes such as cancer research and the eradication of slavery (Dorsett & Hayne, 2017). The donation would support the causes mentioned and generate greater cause over time, hence increasing the growth of the loop while balancing loops represent forces of resistance that eventually limit growth or collapse (Senge, PM et.al, 1995).

UN Global Compact

• Principles 4: The elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labor whereby forced labor not only constitutes a violation of fundamental human rights, however it also deprives societies of the opportunity to develop skills and human resources and educate the children for labor markets of tomorrow (UN Global Compact, 2016). From the article, Mr Forrest contributed heavily towards the eradication of slavery, and nominated as 2017 Australian of the Year for his work in highlighting indigenous disparity and encouraging for the end of modern day slavery (Dorsett & Hayne, 2017). Ultimately, the lower the level of productivity, the slower the economic growth and results in less secure investments.

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