Systems contain delays with a few main types.

  • Perception delays: A feedback loop should react to a change, but it is slow to do so.
  • Response delays: Once a feedback loop has been triggered, it may take time to produce any actions.
  • Delivery delays: Once a feedback loop has instigated a change, the desired adjustments in the stock take time to occur.

System delays are a primary factor in how renewable resources act. Therefore useful as a leverage point. Long delays require foresight.rM3


  1. Donella H. Meadows and Diana Wright, Thinking in Systems: A Primer (White River Junction, Vt: Chelsea Green Pub, 2008). (See notes.)