Showing papers in "Systems Research and Behavioral Science in 2004"
TL;DR: In this paper, La Donna Harris, founder of Americans for Indian Opportunity (AIO), discusses the two-decade-long collaboration between AIO and Alexander Christakis, President of ISSS, and other systems scientists.
Abstract: La Donna Harris, founder of Americans for Indian Opportunity (AIO), discusses the two-decade-long collaboration between AIO and Alexander Christakis, President of ISSS, and other systems scientists. Structured dialogue processes have provided culturally resonant means through which Indigenous peoples have been able to identify and articulate their core values to broader audiences, especially the four R's (Relationship, Responsibility, Reciprocity and Redistribution). These Four R's form the core of an emerging concept, Indigeneity. The dynamic inclusivity of this value cluster has much to contribute to global discourse as we go about the task of constructing global agoras, the dialogic spaces of optimal mutual learning of the 21st century. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
117 citations
TL;DR: Although problem-solving style and mental model characteristics impact performance, no relation between general personality types and performance is found and there are no consistent differences between individuals and pairs with regard to performance.
Abstract: Simulators and experiments studying dynamic decision making offer a way of finding out about factors enforcing and inhibiting human rationality. This literature review of 51 studies from the system dynamics field helps to identify various factors that influence decision making. The factors are classified into model, simulator and player characteristics. In the paper the effect of these variables on gaming performance is reviewed and synthesized. Model characteristics such as presence of delay and increase of feedback strength seem to lower performance, while changes in exogenous conditions lead to mixed results. With regard to simulator characteristics, the decision interval does not seem to influence performance. Model transparency has a positive relation to performance, similar to decision information (in conjunction with player characteristics). Lastly, with regard to player characteristics, there is some evidence that a long-term goal increases performance. Although problem-solving style and mental model characteristics impact performance, no relation between general personality types and performance is found. Also, there are no consistent differences between individuals and pairs with regard to performance. The paper closes with brief comments on future research directions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
104 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe recent psychological research on working memory, intelligence, and performance on complex tasks and show that intelligence, combined with personality and interests, are indeed constructs of impressive power in predicting performance.
Abstract: System dynamics is a field that emphasizes the complex demands on human decision-makers and the cognitive processes that are either wired into the brain by nature or by education or that are stimulated by nurture. The world can be regarded as a complex system and it is a fascinating question how the human brain has adapted to its complexity and survived. Of considerable interest are the human dispositions or characteristics that are responsible for survival and adaptation. Are individual differences in human ability, aptitude, personality, or knowledge the origin of failures and successes in complex environments? These constructs are at the center of much research in psychology and cognitive sciences. Much controversy has revolved around whether dispositions like intelligence or situational constraints and characteristics of the environment are the most important predictive and explanatory constructs. The present work describes recent psychological research on working memory, intelligence, and performance on complex tasks. This research shows that intelligence, combined with personality and interests, are indeed constructs of impressive power in predicting performance. Implications of this research for selecting, educating, and training managers and decision-makers in charge of handling such complex systems are proposed and elaborated. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
75 citations
TL;DR: The author postulates that, for the sake of relevance, this methodological synthesis is to build upon both the positivist and interpretivist traditions and a framework called integrative systems methodology is proposed to help actors at different levels to achieve the requisite variety.
Abstract: Coping with complexity is at the heart of the systems approach. Several methodologies can be discerned which have proved to possess extraordinary power in dealing with complex issues. System dynamics is a general-purpose methodology for modelling and simulation employed in order to deal with dynamic complexity. Cybernetics has brought forth structural models to enable organizations to deal with the complexity of their environments. The main proposition of this paper is that these two methodological strands show potential synergies. A proposal for leveraging the complementarities of system dynamics and organizational cybernetics is made. The paper also argues that it is necessary to conflate qualitative and quantitative modelling and design approaches, as well as to improve the quality of models and strategies by strengthening the processes of validation. At a higher level of abstraction, the author postulates that, for the sake of relevance, this methodological synthesis is to build upon both the positivist and interpretivist traditions. On this basis, a framework called integrative systems methodology is proposed to help actors at different levels to achieve the requisite variety.
71 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a systemic schema is modified and developed to provide a frame of reference for the study of entrepreneurial learning, based on a study of women's narratives of their experience as small/micro-enterprise owner/managers in the UK.
Abstract: The promotion of entrepreneurial activity is high on the educational agenda, reflecting economic and political interest and support. However, the study of entrepreneurial learning is characterized by a diffuse and fragmented literature which spans policy, individual learning and business development, with conclusions based on a plethora of methodological approaches. In this paper, a systemic schema is modified and developed to provide a frame of reference for the study of entrepreneurial learning. The paper is based on a study of women's narratives of their experience as small/micro-enterprise owner/managers in the UK. Theoretical developments concerning the potential usefulness of the schema are discussed; practical implications for the design of entrepreneurship development programmes are also presented.
64 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that although substantial benefits are claimed for this approach, it embeds serious theoretical and pedagogical flaws, notably by separating the problem behaviour from the structure alleged to cause it, by ignoring scale and timing of behaviour, and by excluding the fundamental and unavoidable properties of asset stock accumulation.
Abstract: Proponents of system dynamics expound its benefits for understanding and managing complex social systems. However, usage of system dynamics remains low, which questions the true value that policy-makers gain from the approach as currently delivered. Feedback systems thinking and causal loop diagrams currently dominate the representation of problem situations. Although substantial benefits are claimed for this approach, it embeds serious theoretical and pedagogical flaws, notably by separating the problem behaviour from the structure alleged to cause it, by ignoring scale and timing of behaviour, and by excluding the fundamental and unavoidable properties of asset stock accumulation. Policy-makers are thus unlikely to be provided with actionable solutions, whether from feedback diagrams alone or from subsequent simulation models, a failure that may have irretrievably alienated a significant fraction of management who have been exposed to system dynamics. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
60 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a tension between the critical tools provided to question validity and develop a critical consciousness might go against the beliefs held by the students whose reasoning autonomy is to be developed, making it necessary to manipulate interactions and therefore promote a non-genuine dialogue.
Abstract: Two different ways can be distinguished in which the problem of imposition of knowledge has been addressed by Paulo Freire's radical educational proposal: (1) through an examination of formal aspects of the interactions in which knowledge is produced and/or reproduced—the problem of interactions—and (2) through the provision of critical tools with which the validity of any proposed knowledge can be questioned—the problem of validity. In that proposal, these strategies appear represented by Freire's notions of dialogue—on the side of interactions—and critical consciousness—on the side of validity. There appears, however, a tension between them, as the critical tools provided to question validity and develop a critical consciousness might go against the beliefs held by the students whose reasoning autonomy is to be developed, making it necessary to manipulate interactions and therefore promote a non-genuine dialogue. In critical systems thinking, the ways in which knowledge imposition occurs or is prevented through the use of both boundary critique—represented in Ulrich's CSH—and critical pluralism—represented in Jackson's TSI—are analysed in relation to the use of the same or similar strategies to those found in Freire's work, and to the tension between them. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
54 citations
TL;DR: The paper asserts that system science cannot study real systems, because they do not exist, and suggests an alternative approach to development of system principles based on the assumption that the purpose of the system approach is not unification of science but dealing with complexity, and the corresponding method is analysis–synthesis.
Abstract: General System Theory (GST) sets its goal as unification of science, and its subject matter as formulation of general system principles, or principles applicable to all systems. Unfortunately, no such principles have been formulated to date. This paper demonstrates that GST is incapable of formulating system principles due to its naturalistic methods and realist ontology that represents system as a real object, or thing. This paper suggests an alternative approach to development of system principles based on the assumption that the purpose of the system approach is not unification of science but dealing with complexity, and the corresponding method is analysis–synthesis. According to this approach, reality is neither systemic nor non-systemic, and only our methods of treating real objects and corresponding representations of them are either systemic or not. The paper asserts that system science cannot study real systems, because they do not exist. Instead it should study history of system reasoning as the process of development of system principles. As a preliminary step, by analyzing classical definitions of system, this paper identifies the principal system concepts and categorical oppositions that can be used as an initial framework for empirical studies of system reasoning. It also outlines methodology for such studies. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
44 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of selected experimental factors on the performances of subjects (players) in a stock management simulation game are analyzed. And the adequacy of standard decision rules typically used in dynamic stock management models and to seek improvement formulations are investigated.
Abstract: This paper investigates two different yet related research questions about stock management in feedback environments. The first purpose is to analyse the effects of selected experimental factors on the performances of subjects (players) in a stock management simulation game. In light of these results, our second objective is to evaluate the adequacy of standard decision rules typically used in dynamic stock management models and to seek improvement formulations. To carry out the research, the generic stock management problem is chosen as the interactive gaming platform. In the first part, gaming experiments are designed to test the effects of three factors on decision-making behaviour: different patterns of customer demand, minimum possible order decision (‘review’) interval and, finally, the type of receiving delay. ANOVA results of these three-factor, two-level experiments show which factors have significant effects on 10 different measures of behaviour (such as max–min range of orders, inventory amplitudes, periods of oscillations and backlog durations). In the second phase of research, the performances of subjects are compared against some selected ordering heuristics (formulations). First, the patterns of ordering behaviour of subjects are classified into three basic types. Comparing these three pattern types with simulation results using different decision rules, we observe that the common linear ‘anchoring and adjustment rule’ can represent the smooth and gradually damping type of behaviour, but cannot generate the non-linear and/or discrete ordering dynamics. Thus, several alternative non-linear rules are formulated and tested against subjects' behaviour patterns. Some standard discrete inventory control rules (such as (s, S)) common in the inventory management literature are also formulated and tested. These non-linear and/or discrete rules, compared with the linear stock adjustment rule, are found to be more representative of the subjects' ordering behaviour in many cases, in the sense that these rules can generate non-linear and/or discrete ordering behaviours. Another major finding is the fact that the well-documented oscillatory dynamic behaviour of the inventory is a quite general result, not just an artifact of the linear anchor and adjust rule. When the supply line is ignored or underestimated, large inventory oscillations result also with the non-linear rules, as well as the standard inventory management rules. Furthermore, depending on parameter values, non-linear ordering rules are more prone to yield unstable oscillations—even if the supply line is taken into account. Further methodological and experimental research questions are suggested. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
42 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the potential and actual contributions of cybernetics to organizational and societal evolution are explored, and they can become powerful pivots of an evolution by design, as opposed to an evolution at the mercy of mere chance.
Abstract: This contribution is based on the Ludwig von Bertalanffy Lecture delivered by the author at the 47th Conference of the International Society for the System Sciences (ISSS) in Crete, 7 July 2003. The conference was organized around the issue Conscious Evolution of Humanity: Using Systems Thinking to Construct Agoras of the Global Village. This article explores the potential and actual contributions of cybernetics to organizational and societal evolution. The focus is on the models and conceptual tools of managerial cybernetics. When properly used these can become powerful pivots of an evolution by design, as opposed to an evolution at the mercy of mere chance.
40 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the concept of bounded rationality is incorporated, seeking alternative grounds to the traditional approaches, and different sets of assumptions based on the concept are examined and proposed policies that may reduce some of the apparent market failures.
Abstract: The recent liberalization of the energy industry provides a challenge for understanding the decision-making processes of the agents involved in their markets. In this new environment, it is of particular interest to investigate consumers’ decisions with respect to energy efficiency for a range of purposes that include the assessment of government policy and traders’ strategy intents. The neo-classic methodologies reported in the literature generally make strong, and not evident, assumptions with respect to the decision-making processes of end-users, including: complete information, full rationality and lack of risk perception. In this paper, the concept of bounded rationality is incorporated, seeking alternative grounds to the traditional approaches. Against this background, we examine different sets of assumptions based on the concept of rationally bounded energy use and propose policies that may reduce some of the apparent market failures. However, both these claims, as well as the proposed system dynamics models that intend to account for bounded rationality, need to be clearly justified. Here, we do this by indicating, explicitly and implicitly, how bounded rationality operates and what policies and strategies might be appropriate to remove some of the consumers’ barriers when confronting decisions. The system dynamics models presented in this paper incorporate consumers’ behaviour and alternative policies to assess their likely impact on society. Examples related to the penetration of fuels and lighting appliances are provided, to illustrate the approach. Copyright # 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this article, a learning resource to facilitate praxis tools for systemic governance and creative problem-solving is presented, where conceptual tools are provided as a basis for addressing challenging and complex problems through participatory design, planning and decision making processes that strive to be socially and environmentally just.
Abstract: The article discusses and summarizes a learning resource to facilitate praxis tools for systemic governance and creative problem solving. The conceptual tools are provided as a basis for addressing challenging and complex problems through participatory design, planning and decision-making processes that strive to be socially and environmentally just. The paper draws on earlier work on tools for ethical thinking and caring. The participatory learning process aims to promote better transdiciplinary and cultural understanding and thus to promote sustainable praxis outcomes. The learning outcomes are to develop problem-solving ability and better governance (in the broad sense used by Vickers and White) through appreciation of the whole system and the value positions through which it is perceived. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: The paper outlines the connections between the established content view and the new process view on bounded rationality in system dynamics, which lie in the knowledge elicitation phase of modelling and in the changes of real systems on the basis of insights gained in modelling and simulation.
Abstract: The paper reviews references to bounded rationality within the system dynamics literature. It is argued that so far the relation between bounded rationality and system dynamics has primarily been discussed from a ‘content’ perspective, that is, that boundedly rational decision making needs to be incorporated in the detail of system dynamics models because of the methodology's aspiration to represent real, not ideal decision making. In this paper this content view is extended by a new ‘process’ perspective. This perspective concerns effects observed at the level of whole models. For example, during modelling the developer of a system dynamics model is prone to be influenced by the limitations of rationality, which might lead to erroneous models. In the same way, users conducting simulation experiments with models are prone to carry out these simulations in an unsystematic way and might draw wrong conclusions from the simulation outcomes. The paper then outlines the connections between the established content view and the new process view on bounded rationality in system dynamics. These connections lie in the knowledge elicitation phase of modelling and in the changes of real systems on the basis of insights gained in modelling and simulation. The paper closes with a brief statement of the research that the author is conducting with a view to exploring further these ideas. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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TL;DR: The role of true dialogue in the context of the trends towards globalization, and the predicament of indigenous people to sustain democracy and cultural dignity and autonomy, are discussed in this article, which builds and elaborates on the theme of the conference, which was "Conscious Evolution of Humanity: Using Systems Thinking to Construct Agoras of the Global Village".
Abstract: This paper was delivered as the Presidential address for the 47th International Society for the Systems Sciences Annual Conference in Crete, Greece. It builds and elaborates on the theme of the conference, which was ‘Conscious Evolution of Humanity: Using Systems Thinking to Construct Agoras of the Global Village’. The role of true dialogue in the context of the trends towards globalization, and the predicament of indigenous people to sustain democracy and cultural dignity and autonomy, are discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: Forty Indigenous leaders from the Americas and New Zealand and several non-Indigenous participants sitting in the traditional Comanche Tribe circle began the forum by sharing their "medicine" or personal power.
Abstract: Forty Indigenous leaders from the Americas and New Zealand and several non-Indigenous participants sitting in the traditional Comanche Tribe circle began the forum by sharing their ‘medicine’—inner strength or personal power. They evoked in various ways a common deep spirituality based on a respect for the earth, ancestors, family, and peaceful coexistence. The purpose of the forum was to create, through true dialogue, a shared understanding of the barriers that will need to be addressed in the enhancement of liberating transnational interactions among emerging Indigenous leaders in the context of globalization. Finding patterns of effective interactions was the primary task of the forum participants. The fact that the participants are searching for ‘patterns of meaning’ implies that what they strive for is to integrate the intangible of traditional core cultural values into a contemporary reality. In the forum, the group identified effective, practical means that embody Indigeneity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: The potential value of systems modelling is demonstrated by showing how it can be used to convert the complex input of the public health network project into a realistic, holistic and potentially successful plan to implement and evaluate the network.
Abstract: Public health is complex and previous work has demonstrated the value of systems modelling in understanding its complexity Today the need for systems modelling in public health has increased because the delivery of the public health function is being re-engineered with an additional layer of complexity The service is now more distributed and as a consequence there is a demand that information and communication technologies (ICT) should be employed to a greater extent in ensuring public health provision It is essential that a good public health service is maintained within this new framework and the public health network (PHN) has been proposed as the solution We aim to demonstrate the potential value of systems modelling in this newly re-engineered public health environment by showing how it can be used to convert the complex input of the public health network project into a realistic, holistic and potentially successful plan to implement and evaluate the network Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
TL;DR: In this article, the use of systems thinking for knowledge management practices in the humanitarian sector is analyzed, and it is argued that systems thinking has the potential to provide methodological guidance for practitioners.
Abstract: In recent years, there has been significant interest in [knowledge management]. However, the plethora of both conceptual and practitioner literature has provided little consistency regarding key definitions or methodologies that can act to guide practice. This can result in practitioners selecting particular ideas, constructs or language that has weak conceptual grounding and result in ephemeral and [ad hoc] practices. This paper analyses the use of systems thinking for [knowledge management] practices because it is argued to have the potential to provide methodological guidance for practitioners. The context of the research in the paper is in the humanitarian sector, and in operations that are often politically messy and complex, where there are often many unknown factors. It is a context in which knowledge in a broad sense of the word, as in any human activity, plays an instrumental role. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors formed a research team, sponsored by the International Society of Systems Sciences, to tour the Three Gorges Dam sight, interview managers and engineers, travel up the Yangtze to Chongqing, analyze problems posed by the critics of the dam and, finally, report back to the ISSS annual meeting in Shanghai following the trip.
Abstract: The Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River is currently the largest construction project in the world. Because of its complexity, integration of social, environmental and technological systems, and tight coupling required by the schedule, the project should be managed using a systems approach. To find out if this was the case, the authors formed a research team, sponsored by the International Society of Systems Sciences, to tour the dam sight, interview managers and engineers, travel up the Yangtze to Chongqing, analyze problems posed by the critics of the dam and, finally, report back to the ISSS annual meeting in Shanghai following the trip. This paper reports on the team's observations, the results of the interviews and a systems model that analyzes the problems facing the dam builders. Finally, the paper concludes that the engineers and managers are aware of the interrelated problems and have planned for their solution. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this paper, the development of ILISTM (the Indigenous Leaders Interactive System, which is the structured dialogue process used to conduct the Indigenous WOPF) and the forum itself is discussed.
Abstract: Laura Harris, President of Americans for Indian Opportunity (AIO), and one of the facilitators of the Indigenous Wisdom of the People Forum (WOPF) held at the 47th ISSS Conference, discusses why Indigenous people participated in the conference, the development of ILISTM (the Indigenous Leaders Interactive System, which is the structured dialogue process used to conduct the Indigenous WOPF) and the forum itself. Native American and Maori community members came to the conference to be able to share their Indigeneity on an international platform. Indigeneity is an emerging cluster of concepts (see La Donna Harris's contribution to this same volume) which tries to capture the conceptual contributions Indigenous people have to make to contemporary global discourse in the face of globalization. ILISTM has played a big role in assisting Indigenous people to ‘re-cognize’ their ancestral knowledge and to articulate Indigenous systems thinking to the members of contemporary society, both inside and outside Indigenous communities. One outcome of this reflective articulation has been the creation of a new international Indigenous peoples' organization, Advancement of Global Indigeneity (AGI). The task of the Indigenous WOPF held on 7–10 July 2003 was to identify strategies for AGI's further outreach to other Indigenous groups in the world beyond the Native North American and Maori founders of AGI. One of the major reasons that the forum was a success was the ability of ILIS to authentically engage a very diverse set of participants, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, ranging from people who had had much experience with Indigenous issues as well as those who had had no previous experience, and to enable them to effectively articulate their ideas for AGI's further development and outreach. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a retrospective synthesis and a prospective exploration of an intact line of inquiry that was inspired by the scholarly work of our mentor Bela H Banathy The inquiry centers on the creation of the conditions for the conscious evolution of humanity in partnership with earth Initially, it focused on the notion of Evolutionary Learning Community (ELC) as the vehicle of choice for the creation a 'Design Culture' that would promote learning, collaboration, innovation, and sustainability across different sectors of society ELC serves to empower various forms of community to engage in self-directed sustainable development
Abstract: This paper presents a retrospective synthesis and a prospective exploration of an intact line of inquiry that was inspired by the scholarly work of our mentor Bela H Banathy The inquiry centers on the creation of the conditions for the conscious evolution of humanity in partnership with earth Initially, it focused on the notion of Evolutionary Learning Community (ELC) as the vehicle of choice for the creation of a ‘Design Culture’ that would promote learning, collaboration, innovation, and sustainability across different sectors of society ELC serves to empower various forms of community to engage in self-directed sustainable development It does so by fostering attention to a systemic variety of dimensions that assure wholeness and interconnections at both individual and collective levels of development for present and future generations Application of the ELC framework in diverse contexts—such as business corporations, non-profit organizations, and civil society—naturally leads to consideration of the synergy and interrelations that arise in the evolutionary transformations that occur in different settings Therefore, the inquiry has expanded to embrace issues of Evolutionary Development—that is, inquiry on ELC and other initiatives that support, facilitate, catalyze, and enhance self-organization for the creation of global sustainable learning societies This paper articulates the relation between learning and development from a systemic and evolutionary perspective Conscious evolution is defined and explored in the context of the evolution of education, business, and society The paper ends with a description of the implications of this line of inquiry for further research and action Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
TL;DR: The goal is to achieve a linguistic state of systems science that is commensurate with the needs of applications in many locales to redesign dysfunctional systems, both small and large, in society.
Abstract: There is no well-accepted, coherent language of systems science founded in correlated theoretical and empirical results that enables it to fill the requirements for people to work with complexity. A set of linguistic adjustments is proposed as a way of moving from the present state of the language toward a sorely needed, functional state of discursivity. The goal is to achieve a linguistic state of systems science that is commensurate with the needs of applications in many locales to redesign dysfunctional systems, both small and large, in society. A six-component strategy for achieving this goal is described. The development of discursivity along the proposed lines is keyed to this strategy. Acceptance of these linguistic adjustments could do for systems science what Lavoisier did for chemistry over 200 years ago. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the importance of discourse ethics in the design of educational systems, situating ethicality within the conversational nature of social systems design, and conclude with an examination of design praxis as a stance taken by the user-designer who engages critically, reflectively, and intentionally in an inquiry that belongs intrinsically to a project of selfunderstanding.
Abstract: Discourse ethics, as related to design conversation, is a primary factor in the conceptions, decisions, and actions undertaken in the systems design processes. Considerations for what is ethical as well as who determines the system of ethics that guide the design of a human activity system are questions that must be addressed. In this paper, the author examines the importance of discourse ethics in the design of educational systems, situating ethicality within the conversational nature of social systems design. The author first discusses the ethical responsibility of educational systems design. Second, the author explores design conversation as an ethical human activity system. The author then examines discourse ethics and ethical discourse, concluding with an examination of design praxis as a stance taken by the user–designer who engages critically, reflectively, and intentionally in an inquiry that belongs intrinsically to a project of self-understanding—realize the individual and social ‘self’ through authentic engagements. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: Kalaidjieva's theory of intelligence has been discussed in the context of living systems theory (LST) as discussed by the authors, where the levels of intelligence are defined on the concept of decision making within a perceptual-motor arch (a sense response construct).
Abstract: M. A. Kalaidjieva identifies seven levels of complexity of intelligence. Her ideas are discussed in the context of living systems theory (LST). The levels of intelligence are defined on the concept of decision making within a perceptual-motor arch (a sense–response construct). The discussion focuses on the increasing complexity of intelligence as life progresses to higher levels. The evolution of life from the relatively simple to the more complex underlies the advancing technology of the current information age, and, indeed, systems thinking itself. The discussion identifies important aspects of decision making that distinguish each higher level of complex intelligence, moving through biological, psychological, and sociological senses. Viewing Kalaidjieva's theory in the context of LST suggests expanding the levels to at least 12 and provides many details of how the increasing complexity emerges in living systems. The article consists of two major parts: (1) presentation of Kalaidjieva's theory of intelligence and introduction of ideas from LST that concern decision-making, information, communications, and intelligence, and (2) a discussion of the convergence of the two theories. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: The Co-laboratory of democracy on Constructing Agoras of the Global Village workshop as mentioned in this paper focused on building a shared understanding of the challenges that need to be addressed in the construction of agoras in the context of globalization.
Abstract: This is a report of the Co-laboratory of Democracy on Constructing Agoras of the Global Village. With a diverse set of participants from different parts of the world engaged in a structured dialogue, the overall aim was to generate the interest to conduct similar co-laboratories by participants in different parts of the global village. The specific objectives set for this workshop were: to create a shared understanding of the challenges that will need to be addressed in the construction of agoras of the global village in the context of globalization; to build commitment to an action agenda for collaboratively addressing the ‘system of challenges’; and to begin forging a ‘chain of interactions’ which will embrace the variety of stakeholders of the situation in implementing the agenda for overcoming the system of challenges. The characteristic of this co-laboratory of democracy was that it was an agora dealing with the issue of agoras. This meta-agora did not address a specific issue or problem, which made things a bit confusing, but also very revealing. In the end, the participants and facilitators all learned about the process of structured dialogue and the nature of dialogues themselves. They were also able to design a preliminary set of options to initiate construction of agoras of the global village. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: The authors argue that such phenomena are not truly autopoietic, but subject to the influence of their systemic environment, which in human terms may include respectful, caring others, which is a primary ethic for evolutionary guidance in many contexts and at many levels.
Abstract: Banathy (1996) states that it is ethical to design with others rather than for them. In this essay I explore the distinction from the perspective of complexity science and adopt the view, at least metaphorically, that human individuals and groups are complex creative systems, which under some conditions will self-organize. I argue that such phenomena are not truly autopoietic, but subject to the influence of their systemic environment, which in human terms may include respectful, caring others. Creating with can be called homeopoietic action and is a primary ethic for evolutionary guidance in many contexts and at many levels. The focus here is on change in organizations. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this paper, a grounded theory of sustainability is proposed, based on the design of social systems, as an alternative to the current political emphasis on classical reductionist science-based approaches to school reform.
Abstract: This paper was prepared for presentation at the 47th Annual Conference of the International Society for the Systems Sciences in Crete, Greece. It explores the problem of sustainability from a systems point of view within the context of the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative—an initiative launched by the US Congress in 1999 to fund a multifaceted response to the difficult challenge of youth violence. A grounded theory of sustainability is proposed, based on the design of social systems, as an alternative to the current political emphasis on classical reductionist science-based approaches to school reform. Further, insight into transformational leadership opportunities through evidence-based social systems design strategies is offered. This paper represents an initial attempt to apply these principles within the context of school–community partnerships and sustainability. Subsequent work will provide further exploration and development. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: This paper explores a more comprehensive set of variables believed to be useful for both the immediate and longer-range time frame.
Abstract: The emphasis is on social systems that are intentionally created to accomplish one or more purposes and, by design, size, and/or intention, are highly vulnerable to their membership. Such systems tend to prosper and evolve in desirable directions as long as they measure up to certain criteria. At the most basic and immediate level, such systems need to achieve their purposes, effectively perform their appointed tasks, and satisfy their stakeholders. Effectiveness reports try to focus on criteria such as these. But, limiting measures to these, though publicly desirable, present only part of the system picture. Ignored are the implications of the presence of certain system characteristics that have a profound effect on the system's evolution and well-being. This paper explores a more comprehensive set of variables believed to be useful for both the immediate and longer-range time frame. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: Banathy's work on evolutionary inquiry and the New Agoras for the twenty-first century offers an essential foundation for a new means of organizing public discourse as discussed by the authors, which can contribute to a sweeping reformation of dialogue in the public sphere.
Abstract: The currently institutionalized forms of public discourse are based on assumptions and concepts that are becoming obsolete. Moreover, many theorists, such as Bela H. Banathy, assert that these aging societal structures are now being strained to breaking point by contemporary human civilization, which has become vastly more technologically, politically, and socially complex than these institutions can accommodate. If these assertions are taken as correct, a radical new form of public discourse is required that can transform the existing institutional structure. To that end, Banathy's work on evolutionary inquiry and the New Agoras for the twenty-first century offers an essential foundation for a new means of organizing public discourse. This article explores how his achievements can contribute to a sweeping reformation of dialogue in the public sphere. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe socalled systemic dichotomies: design decisions that have to choose between basic conflict pairs (like immediate or delayed enactment, optimistic versus pessimistic approaches).
Abstract: One of the outstanding characteristics of Bela H. Banathy was his deep concern for designing better systems for future generations. In plenary meetings often an empty chair reminded us of our responsibility to the coming generations in designing the systems for a world to come. Systems designers often have a problem in making basic a priori assumptions about system choices without having sufficient information. We describe socalledsystemic dichotomies: design decisions that have to choose between basic conflict pairs (like immediate or delayed enactment, optimistic versus pessimistic approaches). For each class we give several examples, mostly from software engineering. In concluding we show that certain of these dichotomies also have a meaning in social systems. This paper could be a starting point for the next generation of system scientists, for a closer investigation of such dichotomic dimensions, a study of their properties and a research into the interdependence of various such dichotomies. Copyright # 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.