...Systems theory: a scientific/philosophical approach and set of concepts, rather than a theory, for the transdisciplinary study of complex phenomena. It was first proposed by the biologist Ludwig von Bertalanffy in the 1940's (anthology: "General Systems Theory", 1968), as a reaction against scientific reductionism*. Rather than reducing a phenomenon (say, the human body) to a collection of elements or parts (say, the organs or cells), systems theory focuses on the relations and interactions between the parts, which connect them into a whole (see holism*). The particular arrangement of elements and relations determines an emergent* organization, or system*. That organization is abstract, independent of the concrete substance of the elements, which may be atoms, molecules, cells, transistors, or people. This entails that the same principles of organization can be found in different domains: physics, chemistry, biology, psychology, sociology, technology... One of the aims of systems theory is to unify different scientific disciplines by uncovering these general principles (see unity of science*). Systems theory studies characteristics common to many or all complex systems. These...
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...symbolic-interpretive, post-modern and critical theory perspectives provide us different ways to analyse and understand organisations and organisational behaviour. Choose two of the four theoretical perspectives and discuss how each perspective provides us different ways to analyse and understand organisations and organisational behaviour. The two perspectives that I have chosen are the Modernist perspective and Symbolic-interpretive perspective. A Modernist perspective caaries the believe that the very idea of knowledge would never be complete and that behind every fact hides many more. It is with this believe that followers of the perspective would analyse the world by testing the ideas they gather against the very nature they observe using their five senses. Results from this tests, should they always return the same result, would than be considered a fact. This fact is than considered a ‘truth’ and is thus treasured and recorded. One of the main studies that is the result of such a perspective that of the General System Theory, originally put forth by Bertalanffy from as early as 1950. The study was concerned with the ways in which individuals and groups bond and is used to identify the presence of systems and the way they interrelate with each other to form other systems or to become part of a system themselves. He noted that the subsystems, systems present within a main system, are differentiated from one another and that each sub-system tend to be specialised in their...
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...of Human Development in the Social Environment Paper University of Phoenix Human Systems and Development BSHS/325 Foundations of Human Development in the Social Environment Paper The foundational concepts of Human development from conception through childhood show that biological, psychological, and social conditions are all systematically connected and they adhere to an underlying intelligible order that exists in our world. General System’s theory shows that the social, biological, and psychological milestones in a person’s life fit together to form a larger picture of development that when studied as a whole can change how social service providers approach common issues in their field of care. General systems theory is really about order but has been transformed into a science of wholeness. General systems theory talks about why there seems to be an underlying intelligible order to the world. The basis for all scientific research is based on the assumption that there is a general order to our world and we can seek to understand how all the pieces are connected and form a larger picture. General systems theory is full of abstract concepts but when applied from a social systems perspective can be useful in understanding social order. Society is part of the “whole” referred to in General systems theory and so are the people that occupy its space. A general theory of social systems encompasses the examination of composition, relationships, and patterns describing...
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...Contemporary Approaches to Management There are four contemporary approaches to management: sociotechnical systems theory, quantitative management, organizational behavior, and systems theory. Sociotechnical systems theory attempts to redesign tasks to optimize operation of a new technology while preserving employees’ interpersonal aspects of the work (Bateman, 2013). This approach recognizes the interaction between people and technology in the workplace. Researchers believed that workers should be given the freedom to correct problems in the beginning stages of production and not wait until after the products were finished. This makes sense, as it would eliminate a lot of waste and production time. Quantitative management uses mathematical approaches to managerial approaches. The organizational behavior approach studies the impact of individuals, groups, and structures have on human behavior within organizations (Boundless, 2014). Finally, systems theory states that an organization is a managed system that changes inputs into outputs and emphasizes that an organization is one system in a series of subsystems. Sociotechnical systems theory is different from the other approaches because it deals with human and technology relationships. The employees are trained to make sure their technology helps their job performance, not hinders it. The quantitative management approach varies from the rest because it deals strictly with management problems. It is designed to...
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... Part 1. Systems Theory - 2 - Part 2. Practical Application - 4 - 1. Describe the project - 4 - 2. Interdependence of systems - 5 - 3. Management tools - 6 - 4. The influence of external environment - 6 - Part 3. Conclusion - 7 - References - 8 - Part 1. Systems Theory A system is a set of things that are related with each other in some ways. The behavior or action of one member will influence other members' behaviors or actions. In addition, systems could be closed or open. A closed system is a linear system, which has some boundaries and the cause and effect could be predicted. Whereas for an open system, it's very dynamic and complex that inputs come from many different directions (Peterson, 2004). Systems theory is a series of knowledge or concepts, which contains 4 main parts including philosophy, management, analysis and the idea of systematic. The initial aim of general systems theory was to solve a specific problem with a wide perspective and it also provided a unique language and a set of rules for many studies. The key principle of general theory in terms of philosophy could be summarized like that the whole and the parts are interrelated with each other. In another way, the whole cannot be hold if it's separated from the parts and the parts also cannot be explained if they are isolated from the whole. Besides, the relationship between the whole and the parts makes them indissoluble (Hamilton, 1997). General systems theory developed...
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...MANAGEMENT 641 ASSIGNMENT TOPIC PROJECTS & SYSTEMS THEORY HISTORY: Any phenomena can be understood using two different approaches Reductionism and Systems theory. These techniques have been in conflict for quite some time, especially since many philosophers started to question the Reductionism approach to understand the world. Now over the years the Systems theory approach is being increasingly applied. The Reductionism method implies that the best way to understand a phenomenon is to break it down into small components and individually examining each component. On the other hand, Systems theory is an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to evaluating the relationships and characteristics of different components within a ‘system’ and the effects of these interrelations on the whole organization (Hamilton 1997,32-46). A system can be defined as smaller entities and mechanisms that are interdependent and form an integrated whole. SYSTEMS THEORY: The concept of General systems theory was first introduced by the German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel who used notion in relation to organic biology (Hamilton 1997,32-46). The General systems theory proposed that “The whole is not just the sum of parts” (Kast and Rosenzweig 1972, 450) rather the interrelation of the individual parts determines the characteristics and functions of the whole body. This holistic approach suggested that characteristics of the complete system cannot be fully appreciated by individually...
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...the differences between the four Contemporary Approaches to management: sociotechnical systems theory, quantitative management, organizational behavior, and systems theory. The first theory, Sociotechnical Theory was developed in the early 1950’s and reintroduced in the 1980’s and 1990’s. It suggest that organizations are effective when their employees have the right tools, training, and knowledge to productively do their jobs and bring quality product to its customers. It is a teamwork based system that believes that workers should be given the freedom to correct problems early on to create less waste. The next approach is Quantitative Management. This approach was also adopted after WWII in the 1940’s and 1950’s. It was brought about because in WWII military planners applied mathematical techniques in defense and logistic problems. This approach is supposed to help managers make decisions based on mathematical formulas. Managers had to use other management techniques along with Quantitative Management, such as experience, intuition, and judgment because not every problem can be solved using a mathematical technique. Also some managers were not trained using these techniques. Organizational Behavior uses psychology and sociology to explain the behavior of people on the job. Also created in the 1950’s and reexamined in the 1960’s using Douglas McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y. Theory X assumes that workers are lazy, irresponsible, and need constant supervision and motivation...
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...Contemporary Theories of Management Contingency Theory Basically, contingency theory asserts that when managers make a decision, they must take into account all aspects of the current situation and act on those aspects that are key to the situation at hand. Basically, it’s the approach that “it depends.” For example, the continuing effort to identify the best leadership or management style might now conclude that the best style depends on the situation. If one is leading troops in the Persian Gulf, an autocratic style is probably best (of course, many might argue here, too). If one is leading a hospital or university, a more participative and facilitative leadership style is probably best. Systems Theory Systems theory has had a significant effect on management science and understanding organizations. First, let’s look at “what is a system?” A system is a collection of part unified to accomplish an overall goal. If one part of the system is removed, the nature of the system is changed as well. For example, a pile of sand is not a system. If one removes a sand particle, you’ve still got a pile of sand. However, a functioning car is a system. Remove the carburetor and you’ve no longer got a working car. A system can be looked at as having inputs, processes, outputs and outcomes. Systems share feedback among each of these four aspects of the systems. Let’s look at an organization. Inputs would include resources such as raw materials, money, technologies and people. These inputs...
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...Part IV Emerging and Integrating Perspectives January-2007 MAC/ADSM Page-213 1403_985928_17_cha14 January-2007 MAC/ADSM Page-214 1403_985928_17_cha14 CHAPTER 14 Complexity Perspective Jean Boulton and Peter Allen Basic principles The notion that the world is complex and uncertain and potentially fast-changing is much more readily acceptable as a statement of the obvious than it might have been 30 years ago when complexity science was born. This emerging worldview sits in contradistinction to the view of the world as predictable, linear, measurable and controllable, indeed mechanical; it is the so-called mechanical worldview which underpins many traditional approaches to strategy development and general management theory (see Mintzberg, 2002 for an overview). The complexity worldview presents a new, integrated picture of the behaviour of organisations, marketplaces, economies and political infrastructures; these are indeed complex systems as we will explain below. Some of these behaviours are recognised in other theories and other empirical work. Complexity theory is unique in deriving these concepts through the lens of a coherent, self-consistent scientific perspective whilst nevertheless applying it to everyday, practical problems. These key principles can be summarised here: There is more than one possible future This is a very profound point. We are willing to accept the future may be too complicated to know, but the notion...
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...contemporary approaches to management. These are known as: sociotechnical system, quantitative management, systems theory, and organizational behavior. The sociotechnical system approach to management recognizes the intricate and complex relationship between human and technology in workplaces. Sociotechnical system also is a term used for reference between humans in the workplace and society’s complex infrastructures. The term sociotechnical systems was first used in the World War 2 era by Eric Trist, Ken Bamforth, and Fred Emery. Sociotechnical theory is based on two facts. The first is that the interaction of social and technical factors creates the conditions for organizational performance whether successful or unsuccessful. This interaction consists partly of linear “cause and effect” relationships and partly from “non-linear”, complex, even unpredictable relationships. Whether designed or not, both types of interaction occur when socio and technical elements are put to work. The second of the two main principles is that the optimization of each aspect (socio or technical) tends to not only increase the quantity of unpredictable, “un-designed” relationships but those relationships that are injurious to the systems performance. Sociotechnical theory is about joint optimization meaning the theory designs the social system and technical system so that they collaborate and work smoothly together. Sociotechnical theory proposes a number of different ways of achieving joint optimization...
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...COLLECTED VIEWS ON COMPLEXITY IN SYSTEMS JOSEPH M. SUSSMAN JR East Professor Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Engineering Systems Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Massachusetts April 30, 2002 The term “complexity” is used in many different ways in the systems domain. The different uses of this term may depend upon the kind of system being characterized, or perhaps the disciplinary perspective being brought to bear. The purpose of this paper is to gather and organize different views of complexity, as espoused by different authors. The purpose of the paper is not to make judgments among various complexity definitions, but rather to draw together the richness of various intellectual perspectives about this concept, in order to understand better how complexity relates to the concept of engineering systems. I have either quoted directly or done my best to properly paraphrase these ideas, apologizing for when I have done so incorrectly or in a misleading fashion. I hope that this paper will be useful as we begin to think through the field of engineering systems. The paper concludes with some “short takes” -- pungent observations on complexity by various scholars -- and some overarching questions for subsequent discussion. AUTHOR A THEORY OF COMPLEX SYSTEMS Edward O. Wilson Herbert Simon SOURCE Consilience: The Unity of Knowledge “The Architecture of Complexity”, Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, Vol. 106, No. 6, December...
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...Historical and Contemporary Theories of Management The idea of management is not new. Early forms of management concepts have been applied throughout history in order to progress as a society. Could Stonehenge have been built without the management of all of the required tasks? What about the Mayan or Egyptian pyramids? Could the stones for these monuments have been found, cut, and moved without a plan? Management activities were needed in order to complete these massive projects. In this reading, we will explore some of the early theories of management, although we will not be able to go as far back as the Mayans or Egyptians. We will start in the late 18th century and then work our way up to current and contemporary 21st century concepts. Early Management Theories The Industrial Revolution as well as the growth of factories and mass production created a need for strong management processes. Better and more efficient ways of manufacturing goods were needed in order to maximize productivity, bring down costs, and increase profitability. As a result, since the late 1800’s, theorists have developed a wide range of methods for improving management practices. As discussed earlier in this subunit, Frederick Winslow Taylor was an early pioneer of management theory. In this reading, we will discuss Taylor’s management approach and other early management theories, and then move on to more modern approaches. The Scientific Approach Taylor was the founder of the...
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...Historical and Contemporary Theories of Management Overview The idea of management is not new. Early forms of management concepts have been applied throughout history in order to progress as a society. Could Stonehenge have been built without the management of all of the required tasks? What about the Mayan or Egyptian pyramids? Could the stones for these monuments have been found, cut, and moved without a plan? Management activities were needed in order to complete these massive projects. In this reading, we will explore some of the early theories of management, although we will not be able to go as far back as the Mayans or Egyptians. We will start in the late 18th century and then work our way up to current and contemporary 21st century concepts. Early Management Theories The Industrial Revolution as well as the growth of factories and mass production created a need for strong management processes. Better and more efficient ways of manufacturing goods were needed in order to maximize productivity, bring down costs, and increase profitability. As a result, since the late 1800’s, theorists have developed a wide range of methods for improving management practices. As discussed earlier in this subunit, Frederick Winslow Taylor was an early pioneer of management theory. In this reading, we will discuss Taylor’s management approach and other early management theories, and then move on to more modern approaches. The Scientific Approach Taylor was the founder of the Scientific Approach...
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...analysis and specification of Morgan’s metaphors using the CAST method Taken from: Gazendam, Henk W.M. (1993). Variety Controls Variety: On the Use of Organization Theories in Information Management. Groningen: Wolters-Noordhoff. 400 pp. ISBN 90-01-32950-0. 4.2. An overview of Morgan's metaphors Morgan (1986) distinguishes eight metaphors for organizations: machine, organism, brain, culture, political system, psychic prison, flux and transformation, and instrument of domination. Each metaphor highlights other aspects of organizational life (see Figure 4.1.). For further analysis, the metaphors can be grouped into three groups: the machine group, the organism group, and the mind group. The machine group only contains the machine metaphor (Paragraph 4.3.). The organism group focuses on the dynamic relationship of organization and environment and contains the organism metaphor and the flux and transformation metaphor (Paragraph 4.4.). The mind group (Paragraph 4.5.) contains two subgroups. The first mind subgroup concentrates on the relationship between the minds of persons and the organization as a social construct; it contains the brain metaphor, the culture metaphor, and the psychic prison metaphor. The second mind subgroup focuses on coordination mechanisms and power plays, and encompasses the political system metaphor and the instrument of domination metaphor. metaphor machine highlights efficiency, quality, and timeliness of production processes in a machine made...
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...Change: Systems and Complexity Theories Francis Amagoh Department of Public Administration Kazakhstan Institute of Management, Economics and Strategic Research (KIMEP) Almaty Famagoh@Kimep.Kz OR famagoh@excite.com Abstract It is becoming increasingly important for organizations to gain competitive advantage by being able to manage and survive change. This paper presents two theoretical paradigms (systems and complexity theories) through which organizational change processes can be fruitfully examined. Systems and complexity theories are two valuable perspectives that can equip organizational leaders with the requisite knowledge and understanding of how to respond and adapt to the uncertainties and demands of global change. These two paradigms are particularly useful in the areas of organizational intelligence, organizational design, knowledge management, and corporate strategy, to mention but a few. Key Words: Systems Theory, Complexity Theory, Organizational Change, And Organizational Transformation Introduction The ability of organizations to manage and survive change is becoming increasingly important in an environment where competition and globalization of markets are ever intensifying (Cao and McHugh, 2005: 475). Through the mid-20th century, there had been increased attempts to apply theories of organizational change to the analysis of human organizations (Byeon, 2005: 223). The first attempt, which applied concepts of systems theory was mainly...
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