Showing papers in "Systems Research in 1986"
TL;DR: The authors identifies the stage of adult cognitive development and its related epistemological position that is most compatible with the assumptions of general systems theory and suggests that educators in all disciplines, not just systems experts, must contribute to the development of systems competencies.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to identify competencies that are essential to systems learning in undergraduate and graduate education. Specifically, the paper describes various stages of adult cognitive development, utilizing the theoretical framework of William Perry, and shows how these stages are related to basic epistemological issues and concerns that have predominated in the evolution of the philosophy of science. The paper identifies the stage of adult cognitive development and its related epistemological position that is most compatible with the assumptions of general systems theory. The paper argues that general systems theory cannot be adequately understood or applied by undergraduate or graduate students until their thinking has reached a particular developmental level and they have integrated particular epistemological assumptions into their world views. The paper demonstrates that the goals and requirements of systems learning are compatible with the goals and requirements of liberal or general education and suggests that educators in all disciplines, not just systems experts, must contribute to the development of systems competencies.
78 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, seven principles of system instability in the literature fall into seven categories, distinguished by the nature of the system's strategic response to potential sources of instability and illustrated using various cases, including the Industrial Revolution.
Abstract: Principles of system instability in the literature fall into seven categories, distinguished by the nature of the system's strategic response to potential sources of instability. Each of the principles is illustrated using various cases, including the Industrial Revolution. The principles suggest an optimal design of quick-response teams for coping with major social surprises, and seven early-warning indicators of impending socio-economic-environmental surprises.
34 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a paradigm originating within physical science research is used to frame a model of social system transformation and regeneration, and an illustrative case study from the NASA Apollo organization is presented.
Abstract: This paper focuses on the study of transformation and regeneration processes in social systems, and identifies aspects of these processes that have parallels across systems levels. A paradigm originating within physical science research is used to frame a model of social system transformation. Social system change literature is presented in terms of the model and implications for change agents and researchers are discussed. An illustrative case study from the NASA Apollo organization is presented.
30 citations
TL;DR: Talcott Parsons and I first met in 1939 when the authors attended clinical conferences presided over by Dr. Stanley Cobb at the Department of Psychiatry of the Massachusetts General Hospital and remained friends throughout their lives, meeting fairly often both professionally and socially.
Abstract: Talcott Parsons and I first met in 1939 when we attended clinical conferences presided over by Dr. Stanley Cobb at the Department of Psychiatry of the Massachusetts General Hospital. We remained friends throughout our lives, meeting fairly often both professionally and socially. We liked each other and always maintained a cordial relationship. As he reminded me from time to time, in our younger years we were both greatly influenced by the ideas of Walter B. Cannon, who was my Professor of Physiology in medical school, and Lawrence J. Henderson, who had a direct personal influence on both of us. Henderson’s espousal of Pareto, both in the courses he taught and in his conversation, had a particularly vigorous impact.
29 citations
28 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors integrate a number of selected theories of motivation (performance) and satisfaction into the language of evaluative congruity theory, and present a set of criteria for developing a general theory of motivation and emotion.
Abstract: This paper makes an attempt to integrate a number of selected theories of motivation (performance) and satisfaction. Specifically, this was accomplished by (1) reviewing selected major theories dealing with these concepts (expectancy-value theory, assimilation-contrast theory, social comparison theory, exchange theory, discrepancy theory, decision-making theory and self-concept theory), (2) reviewing selected major theories linking performance with satisfaction (March and Simon's theory, Porter and Lawler's theory, cybernetics/control theory and Raynor's theory of motivation), (3) presenting a set of criteria for developing a general theory of motivation and emotion, (4) introducing a general theory of motivation and emotion (evaluative congruity theory) and (5) translating the concepts of the selected traditional theories of performance and satisfaction into the language of evaluative congruity theory.
26 citations
TL;DR: This work presents general methods to jump from one level to the next, and one of its particular interests is to be able to obtain experimental verifications of the inter-level coupling effects, which means simultaneous using of experimental data relative to both levels for the same system.
Abstract: Physical and biological systems are composed with many levels of organization. To these different levels of organization are associated different levels of description, i.e. large classes of models relative to each of these levels. For instance, in ecology, roughly one distinguishes three levels of organization, the individual level, the population level and the ecosystem level, and consequently three large classes of models may be found, individual strategy models, population dynamical models (like the Leslie model) and ecosystem dynamical models (like the Lotka-Volterra model). In this work, we present general methods to jump from one level to the next. For a two level system, one obtains two weakly coupled sets of equations (each one being relative to each level). The coupling terms allow one to study the interactions between the levels. This general method is then applied to ecology (coupled individual and population levels), to molecular and cellular biology (coupled chemical and cellular levels), and to economics (coupled sectorial and regional levels). One of our particular interests is to be able to obtain experimental verifications of the inter-level coupling effects, which means simultaneous using of experimental data relative to both levels for the same system.
18 citations
TL;DR: This paper introduces the concept of an algebraic system to describe the micro-economic activities of economic units and formulates an axiomatic system to capture the essence of economic transactions.
Abstract: In this paper we discuss the structural foundations of micro-economic exchange. To treat various features of the exchange in a general form, we formulate an algebraic system to serve as an abstraction of a bookkeeping system. First, we introduce the concept of an algebraic system to describe the micro-economic activities of economic units. Next, we formulate an axiomatic system to capture the essence of economic transactions. Finally, we explicate the bookkeeping system in terms of this axiomatic system and make clear various notions concerning the micro-economic activities of economic units. In this paper we consider only basic properties of this algebraic system; these become the mathematical foundation for a theory of an economic system.
12 citations
TL;DR: The relationship between the appearance of new behavior modes and the occurrence of bifurcations in the models is analyzed and an application to a family of models that is representative of the modeling process of an urban area is included.
Abstract: The dynamical systems modeling process of complex systems (particularly in the ‘soft’ systems context) involves a sequence of theoretical frameworks which supply the ‘mechanisms’ that regulate the interactions between the elements that form the system. Changes are made along the modeling process in those theoretical frameworks that could lead to new behavior modes. Using tools taken from qualitative theory of dynamical systems the relationship between the appearance of new behavior modes and the occurrence of bifurcations in the models is analyzed in this paper. An application to a family of models that is representative of the modeling process of an urban area is included.
11 citations
TL;DR: The framework has been elaborated and tested and reveals the structural foundations of purpose to be a five-level hierarchical system whose function is the translation of values into action.
Abstract: Purpose, a fundamental concept for organized activity and mental functioning, is currently without developed and accepted theory. This paper offers an important component of any practical theory of purpose. The framework has been elaborated and tested in the process of action research. It reveals the structural foundations of purpose to be a five-level hierarchical system whose function is the translation of values into action. The levels (each of which is a form of purpose) are labelled: Banner goal, mission, political aim, strategic objective and tactical objective. These levels are defined, their operation illustrated, their expression in social forms described and the relations of the levels to each other clarified. Examples of organizational dysfunction directly attributable to deficiency at each level are provided. Further implications and applications of the theory are suggested, and the limitation of its scope is noted.
9 citations
TL;DR: The accounting information system is described as a subset of the information processing subsystems of GLST, thus demonstrating that research based on GLST may enhance the quality of research on accounting information systems.
Abstract: This paper suggests that general living systems theory (GLST) may provide a conceptual framework to guide practical research on accounting information systems. The accounting information system is described as a subset of the information processing subsystems of GLST, thus demonstrating that research based on GLST may enhance the quality of research on accounting information systems.
TL;DR: Morphology is the study of forms and structures, not only of the underlying interconnections and continuity of forms, but also of their underlying relationships and relationships as discussed by the authors, and it has had numerous applications to the Hydro/lithosphere (the material forms of the world), the Biosphere, and the Noosphere.
Abstract: Morphology is the study of forms and structures but also of the underlying interconnections and continuity of forms and structures. The academically recognized tools of deductive and inductive logic, and mathematics are often insufficient for interdisciplinary research. Morphology was resuscitated by Goethe two centuries ago for the study of total organisms as an alternative to reductionistic and mechanistic description and explanation. The morphological approach to description or explanation complements the genealogical mode. Since Goethe's time, morphology has had numerous applications to the Hydro/lithosphere (the material forms of the world), the Biosphere (the world of lifeforms), and the Noosphere. Explanation of the meaning and use of morphology, and recent, classical, and original examples of its use are presented.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a methodology for options choice in the context of a large technological project in a developing country which is undergoing rapid growth and relies on central planning and control.
Abstract: Making decisions about large technological projects is never straightforward, because of their sheer complexity. However, when carried out in an environment in which the major considerations are financial, the task is simplified by the dominance of quantifiable criteria. In developing countries, on the other hand, the importance of such large technological projects to the country's overall development in social and technological, as well as economic, terms requires an evaluation process based on multiple criteria. The resolution of conflicts between these criteria is further complicated by the multiple agencies which are involved in a typical project in a centrally-planned developing country. A structured systems approach to the decision-making process is therefore clearly necessary. This paper sets out a methodology for options choice in the context of a large technological project in a developing country which is undergoing rapid growth and relies on central planning and control.
TL;DR: A fuller and more detailed exposition of the organicistic general systems theory criticizing inadequacies in previous systems philosophies, especially emergentistic and structuralist, focuses on the nature of naturally existing systems.
Abstract: A fuller and more detailed exposition of the organicistic general systems theory criticizing inadequacies in previous systems philosophies, especially emergentistic (exemplified by A. Koestler) and structuralist (exemplified by E. Laszlo), focuses on the nature of naturally existing systems. Additional exploration of the nature of abstracted and constructed mental systems has been postponed for later treatment. The nature of existing systems involves (1) existing and thus all essential characteristics of existence, (2) existing as something in itself (being an entity, having individuality, and being not any other system), (3) existing as a whole of parts with their interrelations (negation, interdependence, interaction, intercausation and dialectic), (4) existing as an organic unity of whole and parts (which is complex, multinegative, partial, variable and entitive), (5) existing in a world of other systems (including its parts as systems, higher-level systems in which it is a part, coordinate systems, and larger and more comprehensive, multi-leveled systems including the universe) with which each interrelates multi-varyingly, intercausingly (involving novelty, interlevel causation, hierarchy, quanta and cessation) and (6) existing as an organic unity not only of its whole and parts but also of its participation in other systems (at all levels, including the universe as a whole) interdependingly, interactingly, intercausingly and dialectically.
TL;DR: In this paper, questions are raised about size vs function and the forces which drive a system from its stationary state to other emerging, nonequilibrium states, such as economic, entropic, or in the case of civilizations, be the uncreative malaise which settles in after the bureaucracy becomes too firmly entrenched.
Abstract: Living systems trace the birth, growth, maturity, sensecence and death sequence. So-called inanimate systems such as cities, corporations and civilizations also evolve and age and may die if corrective measures are not instituted. Beyond a certain size, uncontrolled growth and gigantism become a burden, which contribute to the malfunction of the system. In this paper questions are raised about size vs function and the forces which drive a system from its stationary state to other emerging, nonequilibrium states. These forces may be economic, entropic, or in the case of civilizations, be the uncreative malaise which settles in after the bureaucracy becomes too firmly entrenched.
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TL;DR: Arguments and evidence are presented demonstrating the presence of Darwinian evolution within large public and private organizations by virtue of their use of advanced computerized data base systems.
Abstract: Arguments and evidence are presented demonstrating the presence of Darwinian evolution within large public and private organizations by virtue of their use of advanced computerized data base systems. A brief synopsis of modern evolutionary theory and data processing as practiced in public and private organizations is presented to display the underlying information processing basis of each. Key functional equivalences in both kinds of systems are noted and their implications for understanding the behavior of both individuals and nations in light of the spread of computerized data base technology is assessed.
TL;DR: Product life cycle (PLC) is shown to be a special case of a more general concept, ecological succession, itself aSpecial case of general succession.
Abstract: Product life cycle (PLC) is shown to be a special case of a more general concept, ecological succession, itself a special case of general succession. The attributes of ecological succession are described in both biological and social—economic spheres. PLC behavior is analyzed using attributes of ecological succession and it is demonstrated to be a special case of succession.
TL;DR: In this paper, the current structure of United States policy concerning strategic minerals and materials systems is discussed and an extensive systems analysis is reported and a system dynamics model is presented which allows experimentation with various policy alternatives available to develop strategic reserves.
Abstract: The research reported in this paper deals with the current structure of United States policy concerning strategic minerals and materials systems. An extensive systems analysis is reported and a system dynamics model is presented which allows experimentation with various policy alternatives available to develop strategic reserves. The model was developed using interview data from key officials and from an extensive review of current literature pertaining to the topic. It centers on the system for producing processed materials and developing mineral sources. An application example using chromium and focusing on stockpiling alternatives is discussed.
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TL;DR: A discussion is given of the basic requirements for a global peace-keeping system of this kind, if it is to be both effective and acceptable, with minimum interference with existing governments as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Within the next few years, our increasing international stresses seem likely to lead either to catastrophe or to major structural change. Our global technologies and global problems are pressing us inexorably toward a global level of human organization. But most of our current thinking about such problems is limited to the context of the present unstable system of more or less independent nations. It does not deal with the question of what new kind of global management structure we may have to adopt in order to get more security and more stability. “We are floundering for lack of a long-run vision of where we want to be.”
Could we begin to design such a structure? There have been brilliant advances in “social technical knowledge” in the last 40 years, for example in cybernetics, systems theory, game theory, psychology, management theory, micromotives and macro-behavior, and the science of negotiation. These new disciplines might make possible the invention of various kinds of new self-stabilizing social structures with democratic or mutual self-management by the nations and peoples involved. Such forms based on modern principles and experiments might actually work much better than most of our present old-fashioned and patchwork political arrangements.
A discussion is given of the basic requirements for a global peace-keeping system of this kind, if it is to be both effective and acceptable, with minimum interference with existing governments. Many variations are possible (as with biological organisms) as long as certain stability rules are not violated. If an experienced multinational group representing several disciplines could work out the principles of such a global management structure—one that offered a hard-headed improvement in security and positive advantages to the major powers—it might give a larger view that would change the context and the thinking in many of our confrontations today.
At crucial times in history, there have been astonishingly sudden step-ups to new levels of organization, sometimes by deliberate design. In the next few months or years, at some moment of crisis, with international shock and public pressure, it could happen again. Now is the time to apply our new social knowledge to the drafting of a new global peace-keeping design that could be ready for consideration when that moment comes.
TL;DR: The overall philosophy of a computational approach to natural language processing entirely developed in a System Theory Paradigm is described and criteria for a semantic parsing based on a systems approach are outlined.
Abstract: We describe the overall philosophy of a computational approach to natural language processing entirely developed in a System Theory Paradigm. A metalanguage to represent world knowledge and theoretical system knowledge is described and criteria for a semantic parsing based on a systems approach are outlined. The approach is applicable to a variety of natural language, which is restricted but not limited to one discourse domain.
TL;DR: In this paper, a set of technology policy objectives was selected from a report prepared by a group of Commonwealth experts and were then partially structured using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) methodology.
Abstract: This paper discusses one procedure for examining technology policy objectives. A set of technology policy objectives was selected from a report prepared by a group of Commonwealth experts. These were then partially structured using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) methodology. The resulting structure is presented and discussed. Deductions made from these are used to indicate a possible mode of efficiently implementing the main policy recommendations of the expert report consistent with the value system of the society concerned.
TL;DR: In this article, conditions for increased learning performance that pertain to any large system help to clarify how societies and political systems learn, and what will it mean to tune our educational systems to increase our learning capacity, to facilitate our transition to an intensive information society and to meet the economic, political and social challenges of the coming decades.
Abstract: During the last fifty years many of the world's political systems have learned to perform new operations they could not perform before. The challenges that face humankind now and in the next decades will require even more dramatic learning, invention and innovation. Conditions for increased learning performance that pertain to any large system help to clarify how societies and political systems learn. What will it mean to tune our educational systems to increase our learning capacity, to facilitate our transition to an intensive information society and to meet the economic, political and social challenges of the coming decades?
TL;DR: The concept of emergent properties provides a useful empirical and theoretical focus for political science as mentioned in this paper, and the concept of capacity expansion (contraction) models have been used to represent political events.
Abstract: The systems theoretic concept of emergent properties provides a useful empirical and theoretical focus for political science. Significant political events, such as treaties, reforms and wars, involve super- and sub-additive changes in performance—changes that cannot be accounted for by simple aggregations or projections of prior trends. These events are poorly represented by common empirical methods, such as regression and other quasi-experimental designs; and this mismatch explains some past failures of basic and applied research. Happily, more appropriate quantiative representations, which I usually call capacity expansion (contraction) models, are available and in use.