How To Vote Like A Systems Thinker
Canada's federal election system, based on the principle of "first-past-the-post," can often make voting feel like it doesn’t really matter; that you can’t vote for who you want because the winner takes all. It’s like a simplified version of democracy.
Federally, Canada is divided into 338 “ridings” – 338 geographical areas that each elect one Member of Parliament. So if the party you vote for gets, say, 49 votes, and another party gets 51% - their representative gets in and “your vote” “doesn’t matter”.
Voters cast their ballots for candidates in their ridings, and the candidate with the most votes wins, even if they don't achieve a majority. This setup can make elections feel like a two-party race, especially when one of the parties is leading in most regions. We DO have more choices, but it FEELS like we are forced into the two-horse race.
Nevertheless, understanding the system and how it intersects with human psychology can make all the difference in voting wisely. Let me provide some psychological insights that can help you vote like a systems thinker.
Stifled Voices
The "first-past-the-post" (FPTP) principle simplifies the process but can lead to skewed representation, where a party that wins a majority of ridings may not receive a majority of the national vote. For example, in the 2015 federal election, the Liberal Party won 54.4% of the seats with only 39.5% of the vote (Smiley, 2015).
This creates a situation where the popular vote and the seat count do not always align, sometimes making it appear that voting for smaller parties is futile.
The central issue here is the tendency for the electoral system to focus attention on the two parties with the most votes. This “binary framing” of elections is not just a product of the media or political rhetoric; it is baked into the structure of FPTP.
As political scientist John Stuart Mill noted in his writings on democracy, "The tyranny of the majority" can stifle the voices of minorities, leading to less representation of diverse perspectives.
Why Your Vote Still Matters: Don’t Fall for the Two-Party Trap
Even if it seems like the two major parties are going to dominate the race, your vote still holds significant weight. The psychology of voting is often swayed by "herd mentality," where individuals align with what seems to be the most popular choice (Cialdini, 2009). People are inclined to believe that voting for smaller or fringe parties will be "wasted" votes. However, this belief misses the deeper implications of voting as a form of democratic expression.
From a systems thinking perspective, each vote contributes to the larger ecosystem of the election, which is not just about who wins but also about the broader message it sends. As systems thinker Peter Senge emphasizes in his book The Fifth Discipline, systems thinking involves understanding how individual actions contribute to broader patterns.
Voting for a party that aligns with your values, even if it's unlikely to win, sends a message about your preferences. It also places pressure on the major parties to address issues raised by these smaller voices.
Moreover, voting is a long-term investment. While one vote may not immediately shift the balance of power, consistent support for alternative parties over time can lead to greater influence, as seen in Canada’s history with the rise of the New Democratic Party (NDP), or the beleaguered Green Party.
The psychological theory of "cumulative advantage" suggests that early adopters and niche movements often gain momentum through the network effects of continued engagement and participation (Stinchcombe, 1968).
In other words, voting is not only about immediate impact but about helping build momentum for future change.
The Psychology Behind Voting Decisions: Cognitive Biases and Decision-Making
Voting is a highly complex decision, influenced by various cognitive biases and psychological phenomena. Understanding these biases can help you approach your vote more consciously and as a systems thinker.
Confirmation Bias: This occurs when individuals seek out information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs, ignoring contradictory evidence (Nickerson, 1998). In the context of voting, confirmation bias may lead to reinforcing political preferences without considering alternative viewpoints. Voters often choose parties or candidates that align with their existing beliefs, even when those candidates may not be the most effective in solving broader societal issues.
Framing Effect: The way political issues are framed can heavily influence how voters make decisions. For example, the issue of "tax cuts" versus "tax reform" may seem similar but can be framed in ways that trigger different emotional responses.
Psychologist Daniel Kahneman and economist Amos Tversky, who developed the concept of the framing effect, demonstrated how subtle shifts in language can alter decision-making processes (Tversky & Kahneman, 1981). Systems thinkers must recognize how language and media framing influence their decisions and consciously deconstruct these frames.Bandwagon Effect: As previously mentioned, this is the tendency for individuals to align with what they perceive as the winning side. A systems thinker should be aware of this tendency and resist the urge to vote based solely on popularity. It’s essential to make voting decisions based on informed analysis and not simply because a candidate or party is leading in the polls.
The Halo Effect: This occurs when a voter’s overall impression of a candidate influences their evaluation of that candidate's specific policies (Nisbett & Wilson, 1977). If a candidate is charismatic or well-liked, their stance on important issues may be overlooked. Systems thinkers should strive to evaluate candidates on their policies, not just their public persona, to ensure their vote aligns with their values.
Making a Systems-Based Vote: The Long-Term Perspective
A systems thinker approaches voting as part of a larger system of governance, one that extends beyond the election cycle. This long-term perspective acknowledges that every decision made within the political system reverberates throughout society.
From a psychological standpoint, voting with a systems thinking mindset involves understanding how your individual decision is part of a larger narrative that includes social, economic, and environmental factors.
The philosopher Karl Popper, in his work on open societies, argued that democratic societies function best when individuals are not just passive voters but active participants in ongoing political discourse (Popper, 1945). Systems thinkers contribute to this discourse by making informed choices based on values, evidence, and long-term impact, rather than short-term gain.
Systemic Thinkers Vote Smarter, Lead Business Better
Voting like a systems thinker in the Canadian federal election and being a skilled decision-maker in business share a common foundation: the ability to consider the broader context and the long-term effects of choices. Here's how they connect:
Understanding Interconnectedness: Systems thinking in voting involves considering how various policies will impact different parts of society, economy, and the environment. Similarly, skilled decision-makers in business analyze how different decisions - whether related to operations, strategy, or finance - will affect various aspects of the business, including stakeholders, market dynamics, and long-term sustainability.
Looking Beyond the Immediate: A systems thinker in the election doesn’t just focus on immediate policy benefits but also the long-term implications on the economy, social well-being, and national identity. In business, a good decision-maker evaluates not just the immediate profit or short-term results but also the long-term health of the organization, its culture, and its impact on the community and environment.
Evaluating Trade-offs: In voting, systems thinking involves considering trade-offs between different policies and their broader consequences. Business decision-making often involves similar trade-offs > balancing cost, quality, speed, and innovation > while considering the risks and rewards associated with each choice.
Adaptability and Feedback Loops: Systems thinkers in the political realm understand that policies will generate feedback, which might require adjustments over time. In business, skilled decision-makers constantly gather feedback (from customers, employees, market trends, etc.) and adapt their strategies based on evolving circumstances, rather than sticking rigidly to an initial plan.
Holistic Perspective: Just as systems thinkers in voting avoid siloed thinking by considering how decisions in one area of life (e.g., healthcare or education) impact others (e.g., workforce development or economic growth), successful business decision-makers avoid focusing only on isolated business metrics. They think about how marketing, operations, and employee satisfaction intertwine, recognizing that one area of the business can’t thrive without support from others.
I guess the main point here is that you have the THE RIGHT AND OBLIGATION to have your voice count. I spent many years as a “foreigner” in various countries - unable to do so. It’s an exquisite privilege to have a say. So make sure you are not just parroting someone else’s talking points. Vote with your values.
Perhaps next time, we can vote on a better system and ditch “the post”.
About the Author
Anna is an organizational psychologist and executive coach, with a special interest in all things technology. We’re part of the team at Garleff Coaching and Consulting Group. If this article has struck a chord, please let us know.
Anna Garleff Cell: +1 587 224 3793 / anna@garleffcoaching.com
www.garleffcoaching.com
