The Origins and Purposes of Several Conceptions of Systems Theory and Cybernetics (original) (raw)
Related papers
Underlying assumptions of several traditions in systems theory and cybernetics
How is the field of systems science different from other scientific fields, and how can we distinguish the various traditions within systems science? We propose that there is a set of underlying assumptions which are generally shared within systems science but are less common in other scientific fields. Furthermore, the various traditions within systems science have adopted different combinations of these assumptions. We examine six traditions within systems science --cybernetics, operations research, general systems theory, system dynamics, total quality management, and organizational learning. We then consider eight underlying assumptions --observation, causality, reflexivity, self-organization, determinism, environment, relationships, and holism. We then assess where each tradition stands with respect to each of the underlying assumptions.
Knowledge Management from the Perspective of Systems Theory and Cybernetics
In the past fifty years the field of systems theory and cybernetics has developed new understandings of the nature of knowledge and several models and methods for improving the management of organizations. In terms of conceptions of knowledge the paper reviews the distinction between producer – product relationships on the one hand and cause and effect relationships on the other hand. Process improvement methods are a means of organizational learning that lead to increased knowledge both in individuals and in the organization as a whole. Stafford Beer's Viable System Model is a model of organizational structure and functioning that helps in identifying what knowledge is necessary for viability. Russell Ackoff's interactive planning process is a method of organizational redesign that emphasizes the importance of knowing how present procedures can lead to problems in the future. Finally, constructivist theories of knowledge emphasize the role of the observer and hence the importance of multiple perspectives.
Management of Systems from a Cybernetic Perspective
Ovidius University Annals: Economic Sciences Series, 2019
Systemic development involves moving to a higher level of the evolution of any entity in the real world and the existence of an evaluation and analysis activity. An important feature of the contemporary era is the development of scientific frontier disciplines, through which an attempt is made to increase the complexity of the economic-social realities, which requires interactive, multidisciplinary approaches. Thе devеlopmеnt of information and communication tеchnologiеs has allowеd, both on a global lеvеl and in our country, the еmеrgencе of nеw concеpts and methodologies in the field of economic informatics, which try to respond to the need for a deep revolution and with important implications in the computerization of the managerial process, both by using more effective of the IT tools in organizations, as well as by solving the most operative problems of complex management. This is why it is important to highlight the major role of systems from a cyber perspective in the activit...
Interest in cybernetics declined in North America from the mid 1970s to 2010, as measured by the number of journal articles by North American authors, but increased in Europe and Asia. Since 2010 the number of books on cybernetics in English has increased significantly. Whereas the social science disciplines create descriptions based on either ideas, groups, events or variables, cybernetics provides a multi-disciplinary theory of social change that uses all four types of descriptions. Cyberneticians use models with three structures – regulation, selforganization and reflexivity. These models can be used to describe any systemic problem. Furthermore, cybernetics adds a third approach to philosophy of science. In addition to a normative or a sociological approach to knowledge, cybernetics adds a biological approach. One implication of the biological approach is additional emphasis on ethics. Keywords: regulation, self-organization, reflexivity, ethics Background