Organisations as Open Systems.pdf
- 1. 117 Organisations as Open Systems OVERVIEW 1. Systems Theory has its roots in the biological sciences, but has been adapted & adopted by a number of fields & authors. 2. Every system is delineated by a boundary which separates it from its environment. 3. In general, systems are classified as either “closed” or “open”. Open systems have permeable boundaries, allowing for the exchange of resources between the system and its environment. 4. The cell is the classic example of an open system. Organizations are another example of an open system. However, they differ from biological systems in that they have a goal and/or purpose. 5. All open systems are input-throughput(transform)-output mechanisms. 6. Systems contain specialized subsystems. These subsystems are Interrelated and Interdependent and are coordinated to achieve the system’s goal or purpose. 7. Steady State or Dynamic Homeostasis is the characteristic state that open systems seek to achieve and maintain; a challenge in a dynamic environment. IMPLICATIONS • Organizations are dynamically related to their environments. (i.e. Inputs/Outputs, Purpose/Need, Contingent, etc.) • Viable open systems can adapt to changing conditions within & without. Sensing & communication subsystems are key. • Adaptable organizations avoid Chaotic Change and Entropy. • Organizations that continue to serve an environmental need, avoid entropy. • Because of the dynamic interrelatedness of subsystems, there is No Single Solution to a given organizational problem. • To change a system, one Considers The Entire System, not just its component parts. TRANSFORM INPUTS OUTPUTS Permeable Boundaries INPUTS: •Energy •People •Materials •Information •Other resources OUTPUTS: •Products/Services •Waste/by-products •Financial results •Goodwill Environment Feedback