Russell L. Ackoff

Russell Ackoff was a renowned American organizational theorist and management expert known for his pioneering work in systems thinking and operations research.

Ackoff emphasized a holistic approach to problem-solving, viewing organizations as dynamic systems interconnected with their environments. Ackoff's contributions include the development of the Interactive Planning model and the distinction between "doing things right" (efficiency) and "doing the right thing" (effectiveness).

He advocated for a shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive systemic thinking to address complex challenges. Ackoff's insights continue to influence fields such as management, education, and systems theory. They especially apply to designing technology systems.