Knowing wuli, sensing shili, caring for renli: Methodology of the WSR approach

This paper presents an outline of an Oriental systems methodology: the Wuli Shili Renli approach (WSR). The basic theme of WSR contends that wuli (reg ularities in objective existence), shili (ways of seeing and doing), and re nli (patterns underlying human relations) constitute a differentiated whole that conditions systems projects. WSR suggests that we should design and e mploy appropriate methods to address and tackle wuli shili and renli elemen ts in a theoretically informed and systemic way. The background, philosophy , process, principles, and some practical applications of the methodology a re preliminarily outlined.