So far it has been ascertained that a root definition is a core description of purposeful activity taken from a specific point of view. - Robert L. Flood

Different methodologies express different rationalities stemming from alternative theoretical positions which they reflect. These alternative positions must be respected, and methodologies and their appropriate theoretical underpinnings developed in partnership.

In the modern systems approach, the concept "system" is used not to refer to things in the world but to a particular way of organising our thoughts about the world.

An example from soft systems thinking is Checkland's appreciation of soft systems methodology. He wants to introduce hard systems approaches to deal with hard problems only after and through a soft systems analysis.