Showing papers in "Systems Research and Behavioral Science in 2008"
TL;DR: It is suggested that although diagrams alone are insufficient, they have many benefits and since these benefits have emerged only as ‘craft wisdom’, a more rigorous programme of research into the diagrams' respective attributes is called for.
Abstract: The paper reviews the leading diagramming methods employed in system dynamics to communicate the contents of models. The main ideas and historical development of the field are first outlined. Two diagramming methods—causal loop diagrams (CLDs) and stock/flow diagrams (SFDs)—are then described and their advantages and limitations discussed. A set of broad research directions is then outlined. These concern: the abilities of different diagrams to communicate different ideas, the role that diagrams have in group model building, and the question of whether diagrams can be an adequate substitute for simulation modelling. The paper closes by suggesting that although diagrams alone are insufficient, they have many benefits. However, since these benefits have emerged only as ‘craft wisdom’, a more rigorous programme of research into the diagrams' respective attributes is called for.
201 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report on current research by the author to explore a range of alternative agricultural systems and how they contribute to agri-ecological and community resilience, through community development processes such as relationship building, genuine participation, inclusiveness, resource mobilization and creating space for knowledge sharing.
Abstract: Alternative agricultural systems that emphasize ecological and community resilience provide a bridge between traditional agriculture and natural resource management. These can be referred to as agri-ecological systems and include systems such as Organic Agriculture, Biodynamics, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), Permaculture, Farmers Markets and Community Gardens. This paper reports on current research by the author to explore a range of these systems and how they contribute to agri-ecological and community resilience. For example, resiliency can be seen as a system's ability to adapt and respond to external impacts on a system, and farmers markets show resiliency to sudden market changes (such as price or consumer preferences toward organics, through direct sale and the involvement of a range of consumers and producers offering a broad range of organic produce). That is, this paper reviews these alternative approaches to food production in relation to key concepts from ecological systems thinking, such as ecological resilience, biodiversity and holism. More specifically, the paper explores how agri-ecological systems contribute to more sustainable and resilient communities, through community development processes such as relationship building, genuine participation, inclusiveness, resource mobilization and creating space for knowledge sharing. The paper concludes by comparing ecological systems models to agri-ecological systems, and suggests how ecological systems theories and concepts might contribute to thinking about the future of community-based agri-ecological resilience. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
167 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors introduce model-based theory building as a feature of system dynamics with large potential and present a systemic approach to actualizing that potential, thereby opening up a new perspective on theory building in the social sciences.
Abstract: This paper introduces model-based theory building as a feature of system dynamics (SD) with large potential It presents a systemic approach to actualizing that potential, thereby opening up a new perspective on theory building in the social sciences The question addressed is if and how SD enables the construction of high-quality theories This contribution is based on field experiment type projects which have been focused on model-based theory building, specifically the construction of a middle-range theory - not a general one The process of model building and validation is analysed from a theory-building perspective The resulting theory is evaluated by means of a set of criteria for high-quality theories As a conclusion, the insighths thus gained are presented and condensed in a tentative set of heuristic principles for model-based theory building
110 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors define CSR, sustainability and their relationship in practical terms, and develop a typology of CSR standpoints that incorporates a number of other classifications.
Abstract: There is a gap between organizations' intentions to adopt corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies and their provision of a clear strategy and management tools for practically realizing such intentions. In particular, the literature to date has not yet developed a pragmatic, descriptive summary of firms' designs for CSR adoption, along with a practical menu of ways to implement their designs in organizational systems. To address these gaps, this paper aims to make three principle contributions. First, it defines CSR, sustainability and their relationship in practical terms. Second, it develops a typology of CSR standpoints that incorporates a number of other classifications. Third, it offers a menu of practical methods and measurement metrics based on interpretive and complex adaptive systems perspectives. The result is a hands-on guide to the process of achieving sustainability goals and objectives from a variety of ideological positions and systems designs, thereby contributing to both managerial practice and sustainability theory. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
98 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a conceptual framework is proposed to clarify the processes that underlie the emergence, prioritization and integration of CSR issues into organizational goals, highlighting the central influence of top managers' perceptions on the development of corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategic agendas.
Abstract: The societal issues conveyed to the organization by its internal and external stakeholders can be various and often conflicting. Consequently, organizations confront difficulties when attempting to identify the range of relevant societal issues they must prioritize to design corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs. This article proposes a conceptual framework to clarify the processes that underlie the emergence, prioritization and integration of CSR issues into organizational goals. Specifically, this article uses systems thinking, CSR, and organizational interpretation theories to highlight the central influence of top managers' perceptions on the development of CSR strategic agendas.
95 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a migration into Chaordic systems thinking (ChST) is proposed for socially sustainable work organizations, where the organizational and stakeholder functional capabilities are founded on complexity stemming from the simultaneous uniqueness and integration of resources.
Abstract: This paper outlines an approach to socially sustainable work organizations. Socially sustainable work organizations have a dynamic ability to function both by repeating accustomed and by devising innovative solutions, and they maintain this operational viability by promoting the functional capabilities of their stakeholders. The organizational and stakeholder functional capabilities are founded on complexity stemming from the simultaneous uniqueness and integration of resources. It is argued that traditional socio- technical systems (STSs) approaches do not offer optimal foundations for achieving sustainability. Instead, a migration into chaordic systems thinking (ChST) is proposed. It is concluded that to promote social sustainability, a work organization has to be understood as a holon system in which development can only take place when also its members grow in their interior and exterior complexities. Complexity development is outlined as an emergent process; the importance of ‘un-learning’ or dissipation is also explored. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
69 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used participatory systems analysis to construct system models of the operating environment for fire management in conservation reserves in north Queensland, Australia, to identify stumbling blocks to the adaptive management of fire and test whether this could be done using participatory methods and a systems modelling tool called Bayesian belief networks (BBN).
Abstract: Participatory systems analysis was used to construct system models of the operating environment for fire management in conservation reserves in north Queensland, Australia. The aim of the study was to identify stumbling blocks to the adaptive management of fire and to test whether this could be done using participatory methods and a systems modelling tool called Bayesian Belief Networks (BBN). Results from the case study indicate that the participatory system analysis approach provides a co-learning environment that captures the collective (corporate) knowledge of the factors influencing planning, implementing, monitoring and reviewing outcomes, thus allowing critical success factors (CSFs) influencing the success of adaptive management to be identified. BBN provided the scaffolding for piecing together this knowledge, allowing managers to structure complex problems and conduct dynamic sensitivity and scenario analysis to identify where intervention or investment can significantly improve the practice of adaptive management within a natural resource management (NRM) agency. Copyright (C) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
63 citations
TL;DR: The model building process as a theory building process and by reviewing theory building approaches in other social sciences constitute a tool set to build relevant system dynamics models, grounded in data, and with higher potential to provide rigorous and relevant generic structures.
Abstract: This paper contributes to the development of better methods for the conceptualization of system dynamics models. It does so by looking at the model building process as a theory building process and by reviewing theory building approaches in other social sciences, such as grounded theory and case study research. Concepts of these modes of qualitative research constitute a tool set to build relevant system dynamics models, grounded in data, and with higher potential to provide rigorous and relevant generic structures. The deductive capability of simulation models, on the other hand, helps to close the loop in the theory building process, putting together the inductive and deductive stages in theory building. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
63 citations
42 citations
TL;DR: In this article, resource allocation policies during such projects determine the fractions of resources that are to be assigned to constituent tasks, and the choice of allocation policy can strongly influence project durations. But policies for reduced project duration are difficult to design and implement because of closed loop flows of work that generate dynamic demand patterns and delays in shifting resources among activities.
Abstract: Minimizing duration is critical to success in many development projects. Resource allocation policies during such projects determine the fractions of resources that are to be assigned to constituent tasks. The choice of allocation policy can strongly influence project durations. But policies for reduced project duration are difficult to design and implement because of closed loop flows of work that generate dynamic demand patterns and delays in shifting resources among activities. Resource demand estimates and resource adjustment times are two policy features that managers can readily alter to influence project durations. These features are used to describe allocation policies in a relatively simple project model. Myopic and foresighted policies are distinguished by their use (or lack thereof) of rework and multiple backlogs in allocation. Optimal policies under perfect and limited managerial control are described by testing myopic and foresighted policies across a range of project complexities and adjustment times under deterministic and uncertain conditions. Counter-intuitive results from this analysis indicate that minimum resource allocation delay does not produce minimum durations, and increasing uncertainty decreases durations under certain conditions. The model is used to explain these results. Managerial implications and future research topics are discussed. Copyright # 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
40 citations
TL;DR: It is argued that theory building cannot be based upon pure simulation and model building alone: the inference from system dynamics models invariably uses concepts and analogies from simple feedback systems and models, so a more solid theoretical foundation of the method is required.
Abstract: We provide a review of different approaches to linking model structure to observed behaviour with a particular view towards using models for theory building. We argue that theory building cannot be based upon pure simulation and model building alone: the inference from system dynamics models invariably uses concepts and analogies from simple feedback systems and models. Strengthening the analytical foundation for this inference will therefore have a direct impact on the strength of system dynamics as a theory-building tool. We identify four approaches to establish this link (traditional, pathway participation, eigenvalue and eigenvector), assess the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, and point to challenges and tasks ahead. We find that the eigenvalue and eigenvector approaches carry significant potential but that a more solid theoretical foundation of the method is required. However, since a ‘grand unified theory’ will never be possible, all tools will be based on approximations and it is only in their practical use that we can discover their real value. Copyright # 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify the difficulties faced by biotechnology firms and examine the importance of knowledge management related to alliance formation and development with special reference to the Australian context, and provide a framework for managing knowledge related to strategic alliances.
Abstract: Biotechnology is a rapidly expanding field of science that has led to the formation of a large number of companies that together form a significant sector within the Australian economy. Even though there has been considerable growth in the Australian biotechnology sector as a whole, a large percentage of Australian biotechnology firms are small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that suffer from a lack of funding and expertise. The developmentand management of effective strategicalliancesarecritical to thesuccessand development of biotechnology firms as they provide opportunities to share resources and expertise, access funding and develop new ideas. However, developing and managing strategic alliances is fraught with difficulties which are compounded by size and resource asymmetries and the nature of the biotechnology market. In this paper, we identify the difficulties faced by biotechnology firms and examine the importance of knowledge management related to alliance formation and development with special reference to the Australian context. We examine the knowledge and expertise that are required to be effective in developing strategic alliances in the biotechnology sector and provide a framework for managing knowledge related to strategic alliances. We suggest that critical systems approaches, in particular creative holism, are needed to manage the various forms of knowledge associated with strategic alliances. Copyright # 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present two general types of cases designed for use in the classroom and discuss how each type implies a particular instructional approach, and outlines the learning consequences of each approach.
Abstract: This paper presents the two general types of cases designed for use in the classroom. It discusses how each type implies a particular instructional approach, and outlines the learning consequences of each approach. In doing so, it shows how each instructional approach on its own proves to be educationally deficient. The paper then draws from a systems thinking epistemology to argue that when the two instructional approaches are combined, emergent educational benefits arise. A critical appreciation of Kolb's learning cycle is simultaneously offered. The paper then offers a systemic framework for case-based classroom experiential learning. The paper concludes with a critical review of this framework which can serve to guide instructors. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this article, three dilemmas of corporate social responsibility (CSR) are described in relation to a proposed triadic critical systems framework based on boundary critique, and the potential value of CSH for CSR is surfaced from two contrasting perspectives -the CSR advocate and the CSR adversary.
Abstract: Three dilemmas of corporate social responsibility (CSR) are described in relation to a proposed triadic critical systems framework based on boundary critique. First, the holistic dilemma of addressing triple bottom line interests in economic, social and environmental issues. This speaks to a framework for understanding in making sense of interrelationships between entities in a complex reality (getting real). Second, the dilemma of nurturing cooperation amongst stakeholders having diverse viewpoints. This speaks to a framework for practice in fostering engagement between multiple perspectives based on different boundaries (getting it right). A third dilemma of CSR is presented in terms of getting a grip - a concern that speaks to a framework for responsibility in addressing the moral dilemma that any methodology, approach, system or framework can neither be entirely holistic nor appropriately conversant with all perspectives. With this caveat in mind, the paper examines one particularly significant systems tool for addressing CSR dilemmas - critical systems heuristics (CSH). Applying the triadic framework, the potential value of CSH for CSR is surfaced from two contrasting perspectives - the CSR advocate and the CSR adversary.
TL;DR: It is proposed that the ML ability of a team clearly represents a systems intelligent competence and the relationship between ML and the new concept of systems intelligence (SI) introduced by Saarinen and Hamalainen is discussed.
Abstract: Losada observed management teams develop their annual strategic plans in a lab designed for studying team behaviour. Based on these findings he developed a dynamical model of team interaction and introduced the concept of meta learning (ML) which represents the ability of a team to avoid undesirable attractors. This paper analyses the dynamic model in more detail and discusses the relationship between ML and the new concept of systems intelligence (SI) introduced by Saarinen and Hamalainen. We propose that the ML ability of a team clearly represents a systems intelligent competence. Losada's mathematical model predicts interesting dynamic phenomena in team interaction. However, our analysis shows how the model also produces strange and previously unreported behaviour under certain conditions. Thus, the predictive validity of the model also becomes problematic. It remains unclear whether the model behaviour can be said to be in satisfactory accordance with the observations of team interaction. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that individuals require a capacity for moral judgement in applying codes and, more generally, when resolving conflict and dilemmas within the wider system of organization-stakeholder relations.
Abstract: We start from the proposition that organizations' social and environmental policies and practices are influenced as much by stakeholders as by organizational management. Various types of organization–stakeholder relationship are outlined, from market-based (e.g. ethical consumerism) to participative (e.g. consultation and coalition). This organization–stakeholder network constitutes the problematic system of concern. The concept of responsibility and its attribution is critically considered, as is the likelihood of value-conflicts between members of this wider system. The tendency for ‘corporate social responsibility’ (CSR) to be managed hierarchically within organizations, characterized by an over-reliance on enforced codes of conduct is critiqued on ethical and practical grounds. It is argued that individuals require a capacity for moral judgement in applying codes and, more generally, when resolving conflict and dilemmas within the wider system of organization–stakeholder relations. An appropriate approach from ethical theory is therefore offered. The paper concludes with a summary of aspects of CSR to which the systems discipline could usefully contribute. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: The paper will introduce the idea of network learning, which is in principle a way of making social networks explicit and using an understanding of them as a part of a learning process for partnership development.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to introduce a form of analysis that is important in the development of inter-agency working and partnerships. Social network analysis is being seen as increasingly important in understanding inter-organizational life. The paper will introduce the idea of network learning, which is in principle a way of making social networks explicit and using an understanding of them as a part of a learning process for partnership development. The paper will also argue for a practice of network learning which integrates social network analysis with Soft Operational Research. This combination, it will be shown, provides further insights into understanding collaboration (a systems-level phenomena) in inter-agency networks or partnerships. These ideas will be described and reviewed in detail via a case study. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this paper, the potential of a complexity orientation is treated more generally and also with a focus on its epistemological interpretation, which is carried out with a special emphasis on the work of Luhmann.
Abstract: In this paper some new, conceptual ideas referred to as a complexity orientation are presented on the basis of systemic planning (SP), which has been developed as a proactive, multi-methodology approach for complex planning tasks. Specifically, the complexity orientation is compared to other systems science research orientations represented by the following labels: functionalist, interpretive, emancipatory and postmodern. After presentation and discussion of the research orientation framework, SP is compared to other current systems and management practice. Finally, the potential of a complexity orientation is treated more generally and also with a focus on its epistemological interpretation, which is carried out with a special emphasis on the work of Luhmann. General findings of the paper are that a complexity orientation ought to complement the other four research orientations to serve as a methodological platform for management practice and that Luhmann's theories ought to be addressed by the systems community as a potential for informing further development of systems science and thinking. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that it is unethical to plan an action for social change without excavating the knowledge and wisdom of the people who are responsible for implementing the plans of action and the people whose lives will be affected.
Abstract: This paper proposes the thesis that it is unethical to plan an action for social change without excavating the knowledge and wisdom of the people who are responsible for implementing the plans of action and the people whose lives will be affected. But the people, being immersed in contemporary complexity, do not know what they know until they know it as a consensus emerging from structured dialogue among a group which represents all stakeholders. We argue that the science of dialogic design may be used to achieve such an emergence. As a consequence, it satisfies the Ozbekhan Axiom of Engagement and the Laouris Law of Requisite Action. The paper elaborates for the first time on the ethics of the ‘Tree of Action’, which some stakeholders participating in co-laboratories have called the ‘Tree of Life’. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: The Tyranny of Small Steps (TYST) behaviour has been investigated in this article, which is an unwanted change to a system through a series of small activities that may be independent from one another.
Abstract: The Tyranny of Small Steps (TYST) behaviour has been investigated. Explained through a systemic perspective, the behaviour TYST is an unwanted change to a system through a series of small activities that may be independent from one another. These activities are small enough not to be detected by the 'surveillance' within the system, but significant enough to encroach upon the 'tolerance zone' of the system and compromise integrity of the system. TYST is an unintentional process that is experienced within the system and made possible by the lack of transparency between an overarching level and a local level where the encroachment is taking place. The Orby case study illustrates a real life manifestation of the TYST behaviour in management and planning. The TYST illustrates the necessity for total transparency in any systems in order to avoid unintended consequence. The TYST process may be regarded as a part of wide range of complex systems but depending on the conditions, it can remain dormant, and only become active when the conditions for lack of transparency are fulfilled.
TL;DR: The idea is to ensure that the process supports subsidiarity as mentioned in this paper, namely those at the receiving end of a decision should be party to the decision making process, thereby ensuring that complex decisions can be made that represent the needs of the majority whilst taking into account the need of the minority whose ideas could be vital for problem solving.
Abstract: Personal moral responsibility, public ethics and accountability in policy making and governance are the essential ingredients (supported by legal measures) which we need in order to institutionalize respectful dialogue across diverse stakeholders at the local, national and international level. The idea is to ensure that the process supports subsidiarity, namely those at the receiving end of a decision should be party to the decision making process, thereby ensuring that complex decisions can be made that represent the needs of the majority whilst taking into account the needs of the minority whose ideas could be vital for problem solving. By engaging in processes that enhance participatory democracy we can match decisions more appropriately and enable people to have ownership of the ideas. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: The authors discusses various reports published within the issue, including the articles "Closing the Loop: Promoting Synergies with other Theory Building Approaches to improve System Dynamics Practice," by Birgit Kopainsky and Luis Luna-Reyes, and "On improving dynamic decision-making: Implications from multiple-process cognitive theory," by Bent Bakken.
Abstract: The article discusses various reports published within the issue, including the articles "Closing the Loop: Promoting Synergies with other Theory Building Approaches to Improve System Dynamics Practice," by Birgit Kopainsky and Luis Luna-Reyes, and "On improving dynamic decision-making: Implications from multiple-process cognitive theory," by Bent Bakken.
TL;DR: The case of business process re-engineering and its kin, such as process innovation and the Delft School approach, was analyzed from an evolutionary perspective in this article. But it is not clear whether the often-radical approach of Business Process Re-engineering constitutes a viable option for restructuring.
Abstract: The question whether the often-radical approach of Business Process Re-engineering constitutes a viable option for restructuring is at the heart of this study. It appraises the case of Business Process Re-engineering and its kin—process innovation and the Delft School Approach—from an evolutionary perspective based on an analogy between organisms and organizations. The research introduces a reference model that originates in evolutionary biological theories and models. The study undertaken—archival research for Business Process Re-engineering and process innovation, and six case studies for the Delft School Approach—confirms that organizations evolve slower than expected, that Business Process Re-engineering as a radical approach is hardly viable, that it and its kin seem to be directed at optimization and that the initiatives hardly connect to external opportunities. The primary yield of this research is the reference model that makes it possible to describe these (often slower) evolutionary processes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: Accumulation of multiple-process cognitive theory is applied to explain findings of poor learning and sub-optimal decision-making and suggests that intuitive processes are default in decision- making and natural learning.
Abstract: Decision environments that afford unambiguous and transparent feedback allow humans to build up corresponding mental models that give them good decision guidance. But in many complex decision situations, such feedback is not available. In such environments people not only show initial misperceptions, but also fail to learn. Education and training have therefore been proposed, but with limited success. This paper applies multiple-process cognitive theory to explain findings of poor learning and sub-optimal decision-making. The applied theory suggests that intuitive processes are default in decision-making and natural learning. Analytic processes are more seldom applied. Implications for education and training in dynamic decision-making are suggested, and in light of the primacy of intuitive processes, include massive exposure to complex dynamic decision-making in order to improve upon intuition in such environments. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this article, the use of systems thinking to develop business students' awareness and intervention skills on CSR issues is discussed, and the authors suggest some ways of improving their approach towards improving students' engagement with CSR in the future.
Abstract: Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is now a popular topic for business and educational institutions. However, its manifold manifestations and interpretations make its learning interesting whilst at the same time challenging. This paper reflects on the use of systems thinking to develop business students' awareness and intervention skills on CSR issues. To develop our approach, we consider three areas of CSR that we think need attention. These are (1) the incorporation of CSR issues into organizational purposes; (2) stakeholder management when thinking about CSR and (3) assessment of CSR impacts on society. Our approach shows how key systems thinking ideas and methodologies have helped us to facilitate discussion about these elements in the classroom. We suggest some ways of improving our approach towards improving students' engagement with CSR in the future. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: Comment is offered on the inadequacy of some forms of theory building and the case is made for formal theory building involving the use of models, analysis and plausible explanations to create deep understanding of social phenomena.
Abstract: In 'Avalanche', an object is lowered, players staying in contact throughout. Normally the task is easily accomplished. However, with larger groups counter-intuitive behaviours appear. The paper proposes a formal theory for the underlying causal mechanisms. The aim is to not only provide an explicit, testable hypothesis for the source of the observed modes of behaviour-but also to exemplify the contribution that formal theory building can make to understanding complex social phenomena. Mapping reveals the importance of geometry to the Avalanche game; each player has a pair of balancing loops, one involved in lowering the object, the other ensuring contact. For more players, sets of balancing loops interact and these can allow dominance by reinforcing loops, causing the system to chase upwards towards an ever-increasing goal. However, a series of other effects concerning human physiology and behaviour (HPB) is posited as playing a role. The hypothesis is therefore rigorously tested using simulation. For simplicity a 'One Degree of Freedom' case is examined, allowing all of the effects to be included whilst rendering the analysis more transparent. Formulation and experimentation with the model gives insight into the behaviours. Multi-dimensional rate/level analysis indicates that there is only a narrow region in which the system is able to move downwards. Model runs reproduce the single 'desired' mode of behaviour and all three of the observed 'problematic' ones. Sensitivity analysis gives further insight into the system's modes and their causes. Behaviour is seen to arise only when the geometric effects apply (number of players greater than degrees of freedom of object) in combination with a range of HPB effects. An analogy exists between the co-operative behaviour required here and various examples: conflicting strategic objectives in organizations; Prisoners' Dilemma and integrated bargaining situations. Additionally, the game may be relatable in more direct algebraic terms to situations involving companies in which the resulting behaviours are mediated by market regulations. Finally, comment is offered on the inadequacy of some forms of theory building and the case is made for formal theory building involving the use of models, analysis and plausible explanations to create deep understanding of social phenomena.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors propose a framework for inquiry that supports diversity and integration through a synthesis of concepts from Churchman's inquiring systems and Habermas's critical social theory.
Abstract: This study addresses a long-standing and well-recognized problem in Knowledge Management (KM) research, namely, that the KM research community is fragmented. Journeying across boundaries is hazardous because there is a lack of mutual understanding on conceptual, methodological and theoretical issues. The authors believe that researchers may make more robust claims to the validity of their work if they are aware of their own epistemic commitments and those of others. Consequently we address the problem of fragmentation by identifying heuristics for both individual choice (diversity) and collective coherence (integration) in KM research. We propose a framework for inquiry that supports diversity and integration through a synthesis of concepts from Churchman's inquiring systems and Habermas's critical social theory. The key architectural element in this framework is a three-level structure comprised of Habermas's three knowledge interests (technical, practical and emancipatory). Framework development consists of describing how four other design elements (Habermas's three rationalities, Churchman's roles, knowledge dynamics, and research paradigms) relate to these three levels. Some initial suggestions are made for the practical use of the framework for the purpose of ethical inquiry. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors propose a system dynamics model that gives deeper insight into the dynamics involved in opportunistic behavior in learning alliances. But the model is not suitable for situations where there is no intention of learning privately.
Abstract: In this paper, we propose a system dynamics model that gives deeper insight into the dynamics involved in opportunistic behaviour in learning alliances. Although current research widely recognizes opportunistic behaviour of alliance partners as a reason for alliance failure, most research in this field focuses on opportunism in the area of private learning and of outlearning the partner. Opportunism is mostly ignored in situations of common learning. In the following, we study opportunism in alliances where there is no intention of learning privately. Moreover, in current studies, feedback perspectives are often neglected. A feedback perspective can be helpful to explain the reasons for certain unanticipated long-term effects. We transfer findings from recent learning alliance literature and from a case study to a system dynamics simulation model. After describing the model structure, different scenarios offer insights into the dynamics of learning, particularly when the partners have different intentions with regard to common learning. We discuss the model runs and subsequently deduce propositions for future research. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present two contexts of meaning to gain systemic comprehension of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) from the standpoint of a Systems Thinking Practice, called Interpretive Systemology.
Abstract: This paper presents two contexts of meaning to gain systemic comprehension of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) from the standpoint of a Systems Thinking Practice, called Interpretive Systemology. The first interpretive context is based on a notion of the social sector affected by the performance of the organization, which will allow us to open a space to explore about the ethical issue regarding a definition of boundaries from a standpoint of the organization and challenging some of the insufficiencies of such perspective to deal with the issue of CSR. The second context of meaning is grounded on searching for a social meaning of the organization through a grasping of it by asking about the practices in which the organization is engaged. This context will allow to approach CSR from a historical–ontological perspective in order to consider CSR as a result of an impoverishment of social practices to hold in the social milieu and the appearance of the organization as a way of providing a weak network of relations that is now compelled to find social legitimacy by addressing an unanswered question about the social order in which the organization appears. A core concept in this second context is social learning understood as a process that is currently undermined by a strong emphasis on training in organizational skills without pursuing a process of social learning as the ground upon which organizational skills are funded and articulated. In this sense, CSR is asked to answer about the production not only of its products and services, but also of other collateral effects or by products, such as how the people become engaged in a giving organizational setting. In this regard, it is claimed that community learning and engagement with the organization is central to enhance the CSR from a holistic perspective. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.