General Systems Theory Fundamentals
Unit 1: Questionnaire
Basic Premises of General Systems Theory
The General Systems Theory (GST) is based on three basic premises:
- Systems exist within larger systems.
- Open systems receive and exchange with other systems.
- A system’s function depends on its structure.
Interest of General Systems Theory
The interest of the GST lies in the characteristics and parameters set for all systems. In applied management, the company is viewed as a structure produced and displayed through a system of decision-making.
System Concept
SYSTEM: A set of dynamically interrelated elements working towards a common goal, processing data, energy, and matter to provide information, energy, and matter.
Bertalanffy’s Theory Concepts
According to Bertalanffy, a system is a set of mutually related units with two main concepts:
- Purpose and Objective: Elements and relationships define a distribution aimed at a goal.
- Globalism or Whole: A change in one unit likely leads to changes in others.
Entropy, Homeostasis, Negentropy
- Entropy: The tendency of systems to wear down.
- Homeostasis: The dynamic balance between system components.
- Negentropy: Information as a system management tool.
System Types
- Physical Systems: Composed of equipment, machinery, and real objects (hardware).
- Abstract Systems: Consist of concepts, plans, and ideas (software).
- Closed Systems: Do not exchange with the environment.
- Open Systems: Exchange energy and matter with the environment through inputs and outputs.
System Parameters
- Input: Material or energy for system operation.
- Output: Results of the process, consistent with the system’s objective.
- Processing: Mechanism converting inputs into outputs.
- Feedback: Function comparing output with a predetermined criterion.
- Environment: The external medium surrounding the system.
Open Systems Summary
Open systems constantly interact with the environment, influencing and being influenced. They can grow, adapt, and reproduce under certain conditions, typically competing with other systems.
Features of Organizations as Open Systems
- Probabilistic Behavior: Organizations are affected by a potentially borderless environment with unknown variables.
- Part of a Larger Society: Organizations are systems within systems, with complex interactions.
- Interdependence of Parts: Changes in one part affect others.
- Homeostasis: Steady state achieved through directionality and progress.
- Borders and Boundaries: Define what is inside and outside the system.
- Morphogenesis: Ability to modify structural ways.
Schein’s Definition of Organization
Schein proposes that systems theory should consider:
- The organization as an open system.
- The organization as a system with multiple goals.
- The organization exists in a dynamic environment with other systems.
- The difficulty in defining organizational boundaries due to numerous links with the environment.
Katz and Kahn Model
Katz and Kahn describe open systems with the following characteristics:
- Import: Receiving inputs and energy from the environment.
- Transformation: Processing inputs into products or services.
- Export: Delivering products to the environment.
- Recurring Cycles: Repeated cycles of import, processing, and export.
- Negative Entropy: Preventing decay by replenishing energy.
- Feedback: Correcting deviations from the correct line.
- Steady State: Maintaining balance through continuous energy flow.
- Differentiation: Multiplication of functions and roles.
- Equifinality: Achieving the same final state through various ways.
- Boundaries: Defining the system’s scope and openness.
Organizations as Social Systems
Organizations are social systems, which are open systems consisting of standardized activities. Stability depends on energy input, transformation, and output.
Basic Features of Systemic Analysis
- Systematic Point of View: Organization as a system with input, output, process, feedback, and environment.
- Dynamic Approach: Focus on interaction processes within the organization.
- Multidimensional and Multilevel: Micro and macroscopic views of the organization.
- Multimotivational: Participants aim to meet objectives through the organization.
- Probability: Variables explained in terms of predictions, not certainty.
- Multidisciplinary: Concepts and techniques from various fields.
- Description: Describing organizational characteristics and administration.
- Multivariable: Events caused by interrelated factors.
- Adaptive: Adapting to the changing environment for survival.