Showing papers in "Systems Research and Behavioral Science in 2002"
TL;DR: The concept of social capital is a useful metaphor which suggests that a society with a rich web of relationships and widespread participation in community organizations will flourish, at many levels including the economic.
Abstract: The concept of social capital is a useful metaphor which suggests that a society with a rich web of relationships and widespread participation in community organizations will flourish, at many levels including the economic. Furthermore individuals who hold large accumulations of social capital will be at an advantage over others with less. A number of people, particularly ‘third way thinkers,’ have taken up the theme in the UK context. The view is that it can be an indicator of social change or its accumulation will lead to social change in some form. In this paper an overview of some of the developments of social capital will be given. The issue about measurement will be addressed, particularly social networks as a proxy to social capital. Some recent application to current social and health policy programmes will be explored. Finally some questions about whether social networks are an indicator of social capital will also be explored. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
88 citations
TL;DR: The International Society for the Systems Sciences (ISSS) plenary address at the 2001 Annual Conference of the ISSS was intended to initiate an interactive exploration into the roots of systems thinking as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: As a plenary address at the 2001 Annual Conference of the International Society for the Systems Sciences (ISSS), this paper was intended to initiate an interactive exploration into the roots of systems thinking. Beginning with a summary of the key influences in the development of the author's own understanding of systems, the paper continues with an overview of developments in the broad variety of disciplinary fields that contributed to the elaboration of systems concepts. Following these introductory reflections, the paper provides a brief discussion of the primary concerns of the original founders of the ISSS (Ludwig von Bertalanffy, Kenneth Boulding, Ralph Gerard, James G. Miller and Anatol Rapoport). Those who attended the conference were then asked to consider the evolution of their own understanding of the meaning and significance of systems thinking by responding to the following questions: (1) Through what academic discipline or occupational field were you originally introduced to systems ideas? (2) Which systems thinkers have been most influential in the evolution of your own thinking about systems? (3) What kinds of questions motivated your interest in systems? (4) What kinds of problems were you seeking to address? (5) Has your concern with systems ideas been primarily theoretical or practical? A brief summary of answers to these questions is included in the concluding remarks. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
67 citations
TL;DR: The logic of the VSM is used to support the diagnosis, design and implementation of the knowledge processes that should make and keep organizationally viable knowledge available.
Abstract: In this paper, Beer's Viable System Model (VSM) is applied to knowledge management. Based on the VSM, domains of knowledge are identified that an organization should possess to maintain its viability. The logic of the VSM is also used to support the diagnosis, design and implementation of the knowledge processes that should make and keep organizationally viable knowledge available.
66 citations
60 citations
TL;DR: A framework that helps assess and synthesize information system (IS) quality using interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and it has been shown that reflections of practice can be encapsulated by the method proposed.
Abstract: This paper presents a framework that helps assess and synthesize information system (IS) quality using interpretive structural modeling (ISM). The emphasis of the approach presented in this paper is on an integrated framework to understand IS quality. Four standpoints are addressed in this paper while dealing with IS quality. They are multiplicity of perspectives, subjectivity, hierarchy, and completeness. A combination of deductive and emergent approaches was used in this study. IS quality constructs were generated using established theoretical precepts of IS quality. Following a broad-based questionnaire survey, a smaller subset of respondents participated in an interactive ISM session. This allowed the formalization of how individuals (singly or in groups) produce their own relationships for constructs that are valid for their situations. The analysis of the models generated by such interactions preserves the four views of IS quality. In doing so, it has been shown that reflections of practice can be encapsulated by the method proposed. The paper ends with a discussion on implications for research as well as practice. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
51 citations
TL;DR: This paper is the first to introduce critical systems thinking into the present study of knowledge and its management and divided knowledge into two aspects: static substance knowledge and dynamic process knowledge.
Abstract: This paper is the first to introduce critical systems thinking into the present study of knowledge and its management. Our preliminary study showed two things about critical systems thinking. First, it provides comprehensive and creative insight into tackling the increasing complexity of human knowledge and knowledge management processes through the organic connection and division of knowledge systems. Second, it encourages the critical use of available methodologies in a coherent way to cope with corresponding subsystems or processes, which breaks down the complexity into convenient units. Based on critical systems thinking, we divided knowledge into two aspects: static substance knowledge and dynamic process knowledge. This division not only provides a concise theoretical framework but also allows knowledge managers and workers to clearly understand the gravity of their work and to selectively utilize well-established methodologies in the practice of knowledge-related activities. This paper serves as an introduction to an application of critical system thinking and total systems intervention in diversified human knowledge topics. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
51 citations
TL;DR: The theory of social systems has been contested as a part of sociology as discussed by the authors, and the mathematical theory of communication can be used for the clarification of the relations among these different perspectives, since a message is expected to contain information.
Abstract: The theory of social systems has been contested as a part of sociology. Social order can be expected to emerge as an expectation that is communicated. A communication can be provided with meaning and meaning may evolve into codified meaning. The social system can thus be considered as developing in layers of communication among reflexive actors. At the interfaces between systems theory, communication theory and evolution theory puzzles emerge which can also be formulated as analytical and empirical questions. The mathematical theory of communication can be used for the clarification of the relations among these different perspectives, since a message is expected to contain information. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
48 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a trusting constructivist approach to systemic inquiry is presented, which suggests that people cannot desist from offering their own constructions (that embody particular concerns) in processes of inquiry (professional or otherwise).
Abstract: This paper offers an outline of, and justification for, what I call a ‘trusting constructivist’ approach to systemic inquiry. I work with the constructivist view that, as Banathy puts it: ‘what we know about the world becomes projected onto the world’. That is, our theoretical constructions and ways of thinking in relation to the world cannot be considered separately from the impacts that they might have on the unfolding of possibilities. Recognizing our involvement in the development of systems means that we can reconsider—with others—the status of our own constructions as potentially generating self-fulfilling effects. A trusting constructivist view suggests that people cannot desist from offering their own constructions (that embody particular concerns) in processes of inquiry (professional or otherwise). But they need to recognize the choices that they are making as they create constructions, so that they can account for these in relation to alternatives in social discourse, in an endeavor to earn others' trust. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
42 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify the critical role dialogue must play in constructing and sustaining the 21st-century agoras in the context of the Global Village, and describe a boundary-spanning dialogue approach (BDA) as the necessary, but not sufficient, foundation for enabling human beings to conceptualize and materialize the idealization of "conscious evolution of humanity".
Abstract: The paper identifies the critical role dialogue must play in constructing and sustaining the 21st-century agoras in the context of the Global Village. Recognizing that the trends towards globalization are irreversible, it describes a boundary-spanning dialogue approach (BDA) as the necessary, but not sufficient, foundation for enabling human beings to conceptualize and materialize the idealization of ‘conscious evolution of humanity’. The approach to BDA described in the paper is based on over 30 years of research, development and testing in the social systems design arena. Many stories from the design arena are available and documented. A major challenge for the agoras of the 21st century will be their capacity to engage multilingual, multicultural and geographically dispersed stakeholders in a boundary-spanning dialogue among civilizations in the context of the Global Village. Two stories from past applications of BDA in the social systems design arena are presented in this paper. The first story discusses a project in Washington, DC involving Native American leaders and Federal Government executives, in the late 1980s. The second story focuses on a peace-building workshop between Israelis and Palestinians that was facilitated by members of the bi-communal Cypriot community. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
39 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the epistemology and characteristics of knowledge of a typical physical science such as physics are described and the impact of the main scientific discoveries of contemporary physics on the development of the hard sciences domains is surveyed.
Abstract: Part I describes the epistemology and characteristics of knowledge of a typical physical science such as physics. Classical physics is contrasted with modern particle physics. The impact of the main scientific discoveries of contemporary physics on the development of ‘hard’ sciences domains is surveyed. The ‘hard’ sciences are engaged in an epistemological debate with the ‘soft’ sciences which reveals divergent trends concerning how the complexity–simplicity and the precision–imprecision characteristics of their respective problem domains are formalized. The outlines of this debate between ‘hard’ sciences, covered in Part I, and ‘soft’ sciences, the subject of Part II, become apparent when outlining how their respective epistemologies are evolving. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
36 citations
TL;DR: Social Systems Theory has a long and distinguished history. as mentioned in this paper describes the evolution from a mechanical model of social processes to a biological model, to a process model, and finally to a model that encompasses chaos, complexity, evolution and autopoiesis.
Abstract: Social Systems Theory has a long and distinguished history. It has progressed from a mechanical model of social processes, to a biological model, to a process model, to models that encompass chaos, complexity, evolution and autopoiesis. Social systems design methodology is ready for the twenty-first century. From General Systems Theory's early days of glory and hubris, through its days of decline and disparagement, through its diaspora into different disciplines, systems theory is today living up to its early expectations. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the notion of process philosophy as being a unifying label for theoretical models that emphasize change over stability, novelty over uniformity, and becoming over being.
Abstract: Process philosophy can contribute with alternative perspectives and views to traditional strategic management theory The Western tradition of thinking, the metaphysics of Being as presence, based upon the binary separation between transcendental ideas and appearances in the real world, has been challenged by process philosophy, from Hellenic and classical philosophy through contemporary philosophy and modern physics Process philosophy is increasingly relevant for strategic management as everyday strategic management practice has to deal with fluid, changing and complex realities The aim of this paper is to discuss the notion of process philosophy as being a unifying label for theoretical models that emphasize change over stability, novelty over uniformity, and becoming over being The contribution of process philosophy to strategic management theory is not primarily ‘theoretical’ but conceptual, and aims at providing alternative perspectives on the concept of strategy Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
TL;DR: A detailed qualitative analysis of the Future Search conference on repetitive strain injuries (RSI) held in 1998 is presented in this paper, where the authors draw on Jurgen Habermas' standards of communicative action to explore the extent to which the process was inclusive, non-coercive and reflective.
Abstract: Future Search has emerged as a widely used large-group process for building common ground and stimulating multi-stakeholder action on complex issues in a collaborative and participatory way. Yet there are few careful evaluations of the approach. Through a detailed qualitative analysis, this paper critically assesses a Future Search conference on repetitive strain injuries (RSI) held in 1998. The paper draws on Jurgen Habermas' standards of communicative action to explore the extent to which the process was inclusive, non-coercive and reflective. The Future Search process encouraged participants to introduce a variety of observations, beliefs and experiences. Two fundamentally opposed analyses of RSI arose: a ‘consensus–knowledge’ model and a ‘conflict–power’ model. However, the process fell short of communicative action because its structure privileged—and thus led to the uncritical adoption of—the former model without allowing adequate participant reflection on the questionable and contested assumptions upon which the model is based. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: The consequences of this organizational framing of education are examined in this article, while making use of a systems-theoretical framework that highlights the autopoietic autonomy of educational organizations in modern society.
Abstract: Organizations are able to motivate and coordinate human activities in special ways. In modern society, organizations are present in almost every social subsystem. From the end of the eighteenth century onward, education also predominantly takes place in school organizations. In this article, the consequences of this organizational framing of education are examined. How are schools able to organize processes of education, although education depends so much upon face-to-face interaction? How is education itself affected by the fact that it takes place in an organized context? This article deals with these questions, while making use of a systems-theoretical framework that highlights the autopoietic autonomy of educational organizations in modern society. Copyright # 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: The work in this article summarizes the activities involved in these efforts, poses a number of research questions about the applications of such methodologies, and draws upon the work in Cyprus to address these questions.
Abstract: Since the demise of the ‘cold war’ that pitted Western Europe and the United States against the Soviet Union, the world's attention has been dominated by smaller inter-state and intra-state conflicts often centered on ethnic differences but with roots in superpower rivalries. An instructive example of such conflicts exists in Cyprus, which arose during the height of cold war politics and has outlasted both the cold war and many of the disputes that have consumed the majority of the world's attention in recent years. Since the physical division of the island in 1974 into separate Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot zones, communication between ordinary citizens has been cut off, creating a serious obstacle to the development of a citizen peace-building movement. Beginning in 1994, participatory planning and design methodologies have been applied with several groups of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots in a systematic attempt to develop and implement an agenda for citizen peace-building activities. Using these methodologies the groups developed a heightened mutual understanding of the situation in Cyprus and a stronger sense of teamwork, while carrying out a variety of projects related to citizen peace building. This paper summarizes the activities involved in these efforts, poses a number of research questions about the applications of such methodologies, and draws upon the work in Cyprus to address these questions. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this article, the emergence of organization from individuals' interactions in a collective is explained as an outcome of both self-organization and design, and the interest in these processes is that they help understanding the embodiment of knowledge to produce organizations with desirable properties.
Abstract: This paper explores the emergence of organization from individuals' interactions in a collective. Its focus is on small collectives like teams. Organization is explained as an outcome of both self-organization and design. Self-organization requires stretching environments and also commitment of individuals to the interests of the collective. As interactions produce organization individuals are constituted as autonomous and non-autonomous roles participating in processes of constitution and production. The interest in these processes is that they help understanding the embodiment of knowledge to produce organizations with desirable properties. This understanding triggers a reflection about research and design. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this article, a new agent-based simulation tool is developed to model social dilemmas for the case of a large number of not necessarily rational decision-makers, including agents whose probability of cooperation changes by an amount proportional to its reward from the environment.
Abstract: We have developed a new agent-based simulation tool to model social dilemmas for the case of a large number of not necessarily rational decision-makers (Szilagyi and Szilagyi, 2000). The combination of various personalities with stochastic learning makes it possible to simulate the multi-person Prisoners' Dilemma game for realistic situations. A variety of personality profiles and their arbitrary combinations can be represented, including agents whose probability of cooperation changes by an amount proportional to its reward from the environment. For the case of such agents the game has non-trivial but remarkably regular solutions. We discuss a method and present an algorithm for making accurate advance predictions of these solutions. We also propose our model as a viable approach for the study of populations of cells, organisms, groups, organizations, communities, and societies. It may lead to better understanding of the evolution of cooperation in living organisms, international alliances, sports teams, and large organizations. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: The Foundation for Conscious Evolution (FCE) as mentioned in this paper ) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of a conscious evolution community in Santa Barbara, California, USA, and the formation of a "Peace Room" on the web and in localities.
Abstract: Conscious evolution is emerging in our generation because humanity has gained the powers of co-destruction of our world, or the co-creation of immeasurable futures. The purpose of conscious evolution is to learn how to be responsible for the ethical guidance of evolution. This new world view arises out of three new conditions: the new cosmology, the new crises and our new capacities, leading toward a macroshift. The Foundation for Conscious Evolution is formed to discover and offer a new developmental path to the next stage of human evolution. It offers three projects to serve this purpose: Gateway to our Conscious Evolution, a six-month online educational program; the development of a conscious evolution community in Santa Barbara and the formation of a ‘Peace Room’ on the web and in localities to scan for, map, connect and communicate what is working to heal and evolve our world. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present the major criticisms that have been raised against the step-by-step conference design in the theoretical literature and contrast these with the empirical findings of two stakeholder-based evaluations.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to make recommendations for the procedural optimization of the Future Search Conference design on the basis of empirical evidence from two case study conferences in Germany and the United Kingdom. The paper presents the major criticisms that have been raised against the step-by-step conference design in the theoretical literature and contrasts these with the empirical findings of two stakeholder-based evaluations. The author draws attention to a number of weaknesses in the conference opening, the common ground phase and the action planning phase of the Future Search Conference design and makes proposals for design changes. The paper suggests that a systematic and stakeholder-oriented evaluation should be part of interventions like Future Search Conferences. The paper concludes with a reminder that the political context and local power relations are a key variable in determining success or failure of a Future Search conference. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this study, the two models of the ‘lock-in’ and the NK-model are reconstructed using a common language for the coding and the introduction of a Schumpeterian dynamics of ‘creative destruction’, for example, can be shown to introduce variation in ‘rugged fitness landscapes’.
Abstract: Arthur's (1988, 1989) model of the ‘lock-in’ predicates the dominance of a single technology, while Kauffman's (1993, 1995) NK-model investigates the existence of different suboptima in a ‘rugged fitness landscape’ Can the two mechanisms also be offset against each other? Under what conditions can one expect a technological monopoly or an oligopoly to prevail? What can serve as a discursive ground for making comparisons among the results of these sophisticated models? In this study, the two models are first reconstructed using a common language for the coding The results of the simulations are made visual on the screen by means of a cellular automaton that represents the diffusion of different technologies in terms of different colours By using a single platform for the interpretation, one can specify the conditions under which the models compete for the explanation Second, I address the question of how one model interacts with the other The reduction of the complexity in the coding enables us to focus on the theoretical assumptions The introduction of a Schumpeterian dynamics of ‘creative destruction’, for example, can be shown to introduce variation in ‘rugged fitness landscapes’ Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
TL;DR: In this article, the authors conduct an analysis of this historical account and identify the failure of SSM to provide an adequate explanation of these historical events, arguing that through the use of materialist dialectics a more satisfactory understanding of the nature of the processes of abstraction and the bounding of problems and systems becomes available.
Abstract: In the Checkland and Holwell (1998) book Information, Systems and Information Systems an explanatory framework for soft systems methodology (SSM) is supported by the
deployment of a case study of the Battle of Britain. In this paper the authors conduct an analysis of this historical account and identify the failure of SSM to provide an adequate explanation of these historical events. It is argued that through the use of materialist
dialectics a more satisfactory understanding of the nature of the processes of abstraction and the bounding of problems and systems becomes available. Concepts from dialectics are applied to show how, and why, the differences between the two accounts reflect different methods of conceptualization of an information environment. In this light, we point to similarities and differences between the two meta-frameworks used: SSM and
materialist dialectics.
TL;DR: The Agora Project as mentioned in this paper is a metaphor for social action contexts in which people can make collective decisions about their future, and the Agora Steward Community is a public sphere for evolutionary design.
Abstract: The Agoras of the City States of the Classical Greeks were public spheres where democracy was lived by citizens who made collective decisions about issues affecting their daily lives. The Agora Project—New Agoras—is a metaphor for social action contexts in which people can make collective decisions about their future. People in the settings of their families, neighborhoods, community groups, organizations and institutions have the potential to organize themselves as evolutionary design communities. Participants in the Agora Project collectively enjoin to establish a new public sphere that can sustain a meaningful actionable design dialogue among individuals within and across New Agoras. These New Agoras, communicatively linked, would serve as the infrastructure for democratic civil society and a system of public spheres animated by evolutionary conversation and guided by evolutionary design with purpose of self-guided evolution of the society—cultural evolution of our species, Homo sapiens sapiens. Critical to the Agora Project is the establishment of stewardship communities. The task of these communities is to create knowledge bases for evolutionary inquiry, develop resources for evolutionary learning and explore suitable approaches, methods and technologies. This article will present an overview of the Agora Project and the Agora Steward Community that has evolved in relation to the project. Organization of the article includes: (1) an examination of the evolution of humankind, (2) a discussion of conscious purposeful evolution, (3) an examination of the Agora of ancient Athens, (4) an introduction of the New Agoras as a metaphor for social action in contemporary society, (5) a discussion of the New Agoras as public spheres for democratic civil society, (6) a description of the Agora Project, and (7) a discussion of the New Agoras as public spheres for evolutionary design. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report on some of the understandings of cross-cultural negotiation that were made explicit through the workshops and suggest that there are further implications for teacher training within the experience.
Abstract: Recently, following initiatives from the local people, a leading college of education in New Zealand ran an outpost teacher training programme in a remote Maori community in the far north. Part of that programme involved workshops that used drama as a participatory process to explore students' understandings of their goals and their relationship to the socio-political context in which they worked. This paper reports on some of the understandings of cross-cultural negotiation that were made explicit through the workshops. It also asks what we mark as difference and what assumptions we make, through not marking, about what is normal. At the very least the programme as a whole was successful in providing a group of culturally appropriate teachers for the region. However, this paper suggests that there are further implications for teacher training within the experience. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate how well utilized foster care review recommendations by child welfare case managers and Juvenile Court judges are in the context of Complexity Theory, specifically Complexity theory.
Abstract: During 1998 an estimated 560,000 children were in foster care across the United States. With increasing numbers of children in foster care policy-makers are concerned with permanency planning. In an effort to promote permanency planning the US Congress enacted the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 which mandated that individual states (a) develop a case plan within 30 days of a child being placed in foster care, (b) incorporate a system of review into their foster care programs, and (c) review foster care cases at least every six months. Despite the level of policy activity centering on foster care review there has been a paucity of rigorous research. This study asks ‘How well utilized are foster care review recommendations by child welfare case managers and Juvenile Court judges?’ Results are framed in Systems Theory, specifically Complexity Theory. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: The Interactive Planning Approach was utilized for long-range strategic planning at the Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) as mentioned in this paper, where over 100 stakeholders (faculty, students, managers, subscribers, donors, and board members) participated in a six-month effort to redesign the organization, using professional facilitation and guidance.
Abstract: Throughout its 67-year history, the Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) has focused exclusively on tuition-free advanced training, including performance experience, for young singers showing the potential for careers in the world's leading opera houses. The Interactive Planning Approach was utilized for long-range strategic planning. Over 100 stakeholders (faculty, students, managers, subscribers, donors, and board members), representing a wide variety of interests, participated in a six-month effort to redesign the organization, using professional facilitation and guidance. Since the plan's adoption in 1997, a large percentage of the designed actions have been implemented, including some of the most ambitious and supposedly difficult to accomplish. As a result, the academy has advanced its enrollment, programs, facilities, and endowment significantly. What follows is a description of an organization's participative planning effort and an examination of the reasons for its success. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: It is shown that flowing-equilibrium (F-E) management systems can explain systems behavior that cannot be explained by management theory based on cybernetics or double-loop learning.
Abstract: Management systems are part of virtually every organization. However, so far no systematic effort has been made to distinguish different stages in the adaptive process of management systems according to sophistication criteria. By building on existing theories in the areas of systems control, cybernetics, and general systems theory, this paper develops and presents a taxonomy of management systems. It is shown that flowing-equilibrium (F-E) management systems can explain systems behavior that cannot be explained by management theory based on cybernetics or double-loop learning. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this article, the design process in seven projects by five small architectural firms was analysed in detail to map existing patterns of user participation in India, including the architect's approach to the project, the client's awareness of design aspects and expectations of professional services, and arrangements for interactions and communication.
Abstract: User participation in the design of built environments has been seen as essential from functional, social, psychological and political perspectives, given the intricacy of human–environment relationships. These concerns are most important in residential environments to which people relate continuously and intimately. This paper explores client–user participation in the architectural design process for their houses. The design process in seven projects by five small architectural firms was analysed in detail to map existing patterns of user participation in India. Significant producers of these patterns include, inter alia, the architect's approach to the project and to client–user participation, the client's awareness of design aspects and expectations of professional services, and the arrangements for interactions and communication; how these modulate the variables is discussed. Finally, the institutional frameworks that configure these factors and the obstacles to change have been highlighted. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present the theory and techniques of pattern recognition, which is used to deal with the complex problems that emerge within family and other complex systems, such as cancer.
Abstract: Physicist and writer Fritjof Capra states that the crisis of our times is a crisis of perception. I would suggest the crisis stems from our inability to perceive systemic connections. We are conditioned by the seventeenth-century worldview of Newton and the tool of analysis devised by Descartes to perceive objects and events as separate and non-related. The only relationship we acknowledge is linear cause and effect. Newton's worldview and Descartes' analysis are insufficient to perceive and comprehend the complex systems problems that plague our daily existence. The systems sciences offer a very different worldview that begins not with separate parts but with a whole that differentiates into parts. The parts are therefore connected through the relationships and interactions that organize the system. To effectively deal with systems you must be able to perceive the systemic connections and recognize their pattern of organization. Pattern recognition at this level requires skills in observation, abstraction and imaging. Families are systems that too often are perceived through the lens of reductionism as aggregates of individuals. Family therapists recognize that the family is a system but they are still hampered in their efforts to comprehend the systemic connections by the cognitive tool of analysis. Analysis breaks the system into its component parts and ignores the relationships and interactions that organize the system. My presentation will offer the theory and techniques of pattern recognition. This tool together with an understanding of systems principles and dynamics provides the framework needed to deal with the complex problems that emerge within family and other complex systems. Changing a system is not simply a matter of changing the individuals within the system. The characteristics of a system do not come from the characteristics of its components but from their organization. Changing systems requires changing their pattern of organization, that is, the pattern of relationships and networks of interaction that organize the system. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this paper, an empirical investigation is conducted to gain insights into the operational strategies, practices, and characteristics of 130 manufacturing, 61 services and 86 public sector organizations, based on this survey-based research conducted in the USA, it is concluded that operational lessons learned from the manufacturing experience may improve the operations of service and public sector organisations.
Abstract: The objective of this empirical investigation is to gain insights into the operational strategies, practices and characteristics of 130 manufacturing, 61 services and 86 public sector organizations. Based on this survey-based research conducted in the USA, it is concluded that operational lessons learned from the manufacturing experience may improve the operations of service and public sector organizations. In this context, benchmarking manufacturing organizations' operational know-how may prove to be a worthy investment for service and public sector organizations. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this article, a case study of a group of technical managers trying to affect R&D policy and staffing in their company and the negative reaction of their superiors to this initiative is described.
Abstract: Systemic forces result in chronic underutilization of the knowledge and insight of middle management. This hypothesis is explored through a case study, which recounts both the efforts of a group of technical managers to affect R&D policy and staffing in their company and the negative reaction of their superiors to this initiative. The management group used various ‘futures thinking’ technologies as a backdrop to their proposals and these are described. The case data are then interpreted through the lens of Barry Oshry's organizational theory, with a particular focus on the difficulties of acting in a concerted fashion from the ‘middle’ of an organization. Some of Oshry's antidotes to the organizational pathologies impacting middle managers are discussed, including recommendations for executives who want to deploy their subordinates strategically. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.