| 1. |
- Buckley, Walter, 1937-, et al.
(författare)
-
Structural Resolutions of Collective Action Problems
- 1974
-
Ingår i: Behavioral Science. - : Wiley. - 0005-7940 .- 1099-1743. ; 19:5, s. 277-297
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper concerns itself with the general problem of achieving cooperation in human groups and higher levels of social systems. Several social situations are considered where cooperation is problematic because self-interest contradicts group or collective interest: the prisoners' dilemma game; the commons' problem (Hardin, 1972); the collective action problem, i.e., the failure of memberships of many large interest groups, e.g., consumers and the general public, to cooperate to achieve common goals (Olson, 1968); and the problem of competitive panics, e.g., a crowd in a burning theater. We introduce a structural framework and methodology, using social system level concepts, to characterize and analyze such problems. It is shown that the various cases have a common underlying structure. In the analysis, we focus on the social context of the problematic situations and, in particular, on social processes that structure human interaction and collective behavior. A basic idea guiding the analysis is that actors purposively structure and transform interaction situations or games into situations of greater or less cooperation or conflict, depending upon the social context. We examine specific social control processes that may be found operating in social systems to resolve problems of achieving cooperative action, that is, to deal with contradictions between individual interests and autonomy on the one hand and group interest and need for cooperative action on the other. In particular, we focus on the social structuring and restructuring in groups of perceptions and evaluations, action possibilities, and decision procedures and, therefore, likely interaction patterns of those involved.
|
|
| 2. |
- Bai, Guohua, et al.
(författare)
-
Dialectical approach to systems development
- 1998
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 15:1, s. 47-54
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper will approach the nature of system development based on dialectical thinking. To conduct this approach, the paper is divided into three parts. In the first part, the concept 'contradiction' is introduced in the context of dialectical thinking. In the second part,'systems development' is discussed in terms of contradiction in the Activity Theory. And in the last part,'information systems development' is presented as an example to demonstrate how information systems are developed in the light of this dialectical approach.
|
|
| 3. |
|
|
| 4. |
- Ahari, Parviz
(författare)
-
A living systems analysis of student design projects at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)
- 2006
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : Wiley. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 23:3, s. 419-428
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Student evaluations of courses are routinely obtained by questionnaire in higher education. That student feedback is used for, among other purposes, the planning of future courses. Whether such questionnaires consider, in specific situations, all aspects of the educational processes, or even the important ones, is an open question. This study examines that question with reference to a particular engineering design course. It investigates how groups of students process information in their design projects. The study uses the breakthrough, or full-spectrum, thinking explained by Nadler, Hibino, with Farrell to understand the uniqueness of the situation and to clarify the purposes of the research. Living systems theory instructs the design of research instruments and of a research hypothesis. The results show that significant differences in information processing exist between lower performing and higher performing groups.
|
|
| 5. |
- Albinsson, Lars, et al.
(författare)
-
Creating and sustaining successful knowledge management in purposeful communities : summary of key experiences from pioneers
- 2008
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 25:5, s. 615-626
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Based on research organized as a number of workshops, case studies and interviews with experienced practitioners as well as academics, we present in this report the most important findings on how to create and sustain successful knowledge management in a community environment. The cases, workshops and interviews deal specifically with the Microsoft Solutions Sharing Network (SSN) program, but the findings, conclusions and preliminary recommendations can be applied more generally to the development of any knowledge management community. A key conclusion is that the bulk of efforts toward creating successful knowledge management communities focus oil less technical, or softer aspects like leadership, culture, social settings and value of participation. However, these are essential, but not sufficient, ingredients for success. Technical issues, issues regarding development and customization of the tools used to facilitate knowledge management (for example, the SSN web portal), and emerging legal issues surrounding the sharing of intellectual property UP) may be perceived as somewhat less important to the participants, but are nevertheless key factors in the long term success of these communities. It is also concluded that the foundation for successful collaboration is primarily laid in the initial phases of community development. A community must make a positive impression oil its participants from the very beginning because most people will not give it a second chance. In this report we have highlighted three important areas to consider when establishing portals for knowledge management: Leadership, Purpose and Process/Infrastructure. A leadership with high credibility in the subject is needed to lead the participants in the right direction, manage the cultural processes and to make sure that relevant content can be found. Initially it is the content that brings people to a specific community. Thus, there has to be some common purpose that not only needs to be in congruence with the professional role of the participants but also be inspiring for them as well. Additionally, the community should have some sort of process that the participants can understand and suits the way they would like to interact. Face-to-face meetings and networking activities create trust which is important to get the process started. Language, IT platform, support and rules governing the contribution, creation and sharing of 'knowledge' for the community are other concerns that need to be considered within the process. Copyright (c) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
|
|
| 6. |
- Bai, Guohua, et al.
(författare)
-
Coping with System Sustainability : A Sociocybernetics Framework for Social-Economic System Architecture
- 2012
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : Wiley Blackwell. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 29:3, s. 263-273
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper proposes an epistemological model based on cybernetic principles and activity theory to interpret two levels of problems that are intertwined in our social-economic system, namely the liveability and sustainability problems. In the first part of the paper, important principles and concepts from related fields of cybernetics and activity theory are introduced for later construction of a model. In the second part, a model is constructed based on the introduced concepts. To validate the proposed model, the current economic crisis is studied in the third part. An important contribution of the proposed model is a theoretical understanding of the two levels problems, and how to construct macro social-economical policies to avoid similar crisis in the future.
|
|
| 7. |
- Barros-Castro, Ricardo A., et al.
(författare)
-
Systemic Intervention for Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning
- 2015
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : Wiley. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 32:1, s. 86-105
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper presents a systemic intervention approach as a means to overcome the methodological challenges involved in research into computer-supported collaborative learning applied to the promotion of mathematical problem-solving (CSCL-MPS) skills in schools. These challenges include how to develop an integrated analysis of several aspects of the learning process; and how to reflect on learning purposes, the context of application and participants' identities. The focus of systemic intervention is on processes for thinking through whose views and what issues and values should be considered pertinent in an analysis. Systemic intervention also advocates mixing methods from different traditions to address the purposes of multiple stakeholders. Consequently, a design for CSCL-MPS research is presented that includes several methods. This methodological design is used to analyse and reflect upon both a CSCL-MPS project with Colombian schools, and the identities of the participants in that project. Copyright (c) 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
|
|
| 8. |
- Bergvall-Kåreborn, Birgitta
(författare)
-
Enriching the model-building phase of soft systems methodology
- 2002
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : Wiley. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 19:1, s. 27-48
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) has been criticized for its tendency to result in regulatory, rather than radical, agendas for change. It has also been argued that when stressing the difference between different Weltanschauungs SSM takes them at face value and does not investigate the similarities between them or seek an explanation for this in terms of the structure of society. The aim of the paper is to address these critical comments made towards SSM by incorporating a concept called qualifying function as a conceptual tool for modelling and design. The concept has the potential to help people in a particular problem situation to view the situation from new and different perspectives. It also has the potential to enrich the conceptual models by directing the transformation process. Finally, it provides an alternative technique for model validation by relating the root definition and the conceptual model closer together.
|
|
| 9. |
- de Raadt, J.Donald R., et al.
(författare)
-
Where there is no vision the people perish: ethical vision and community sustainability
- 2005
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : Wiley. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 22:3, s. 233-247
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper supports the inclusion of Christianity in the European constitution. It does this by analysing the role that an ethical vision plays in sustaining a community and the impact on other critical factors such as ethics, work, management, social structure and education that ensues when vision is undermined. It examines in particular the contribution that the Christian vision has made to communities in the past and the systemic role it can play in ensuring their long-term viability today. The study applies a multi-modal systems framework to analyse the links between the vision and these critical factors and projects that may unfold in communities once they lose their vision
|
|
| 10. |
- de Raadt, Veronica D.
(författare)
-
Multi-modal systems method: the impact of normative factors on community viability
- 2001
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : Wiley. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 18:2, s. 171-180
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This is an analysis of viability in a small village in northern Sweden and a contribution to testing the multi-modal systems method (MMSM). With the aid of the method, factors important to a village's life were selected and relationships between them analysed, to see if they promoted or threatened viability. Relationships are characteristic of a small community and it is argued that viability is best understood by examining relationships. MMSM proved a useful tool for studying relationships between the factors selected, between various modalities of community life, and between community groups.
|
|
| 11. |
- Dockens, William S
(författare)
-
Time's feminine arrow: A behavioral ecological assault on cultural and epistemological barriers
- 1996
-
Ingår i: BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE. - : INT SOC SYSTEMS SCIENCE. - 0005-7940. ; 41:1, s. 30-82
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Like a powerful, hardly perceptible wall, the psychoanthropological barrier lies between the group formulations that characterize social psychology, sociology, and ethnology and the subjective reasoning that characterize individual modes of thought. More
|
|
| 12. |
- Edwards, Mark G.
(författare)
-
A metatheoretical evaluation of chaordic systems thinking
- 2014
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : Wiley. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 31:2, s. 160-180
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper presents a metatheoretical evaluation of chaordic systems thinking (ChST) as it applies to organizational transformation. The diversity of approaches to transformation means that it is rich territory for metatheoretical research. ChST can be regarded as a metatheoretical attempt to integrate conceptual lenses so that a richer conceptualisation of transformation can be developed. ChST aims to be an integrative and innovative theoretical contribution to understanding change. How might these claims be evaluated? A metatheoretical method called metatriangulation is applied here to evaluate the ChST framework. A review and analysis of 20 ChST texts was performed and found that the approach shares several lenses with other theories of organizational transformation, but it also omits some important lenses and only partially described others. Recommendations for the further development of ChST are presented. Although important for developing novel insights, metatheoretical research is rarely performed systematically. This paper presents an original approach to building and evaluating overarching frameworks for organizational transformation.
|
|
| 13. |
- Edwards, Mark G.
(författare)
-
Misunderstanding metatheorizing
- 2014
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : Wiley. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 31:6, s. 720-744
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Metatheorizing is an important but generally poorly understood genre of social science inquiry that has particular relevance to systems research. In this paper, I define and present the major characteristics of metatheoretical research, discuss why it is neglected as a form of research and how it is often misunderstood and inadequately represented in the systems and management science literature. I illustrate the discussion with some examples of misunderstanding of metatheorizing from the systems science literature. I also make some recommendations for how researchers can improve their own metatheorizing and so, hopefully, help this important form of research become more widely acknowledged and critically appreciated.
|
|
| 14. |
|
|
| 15. |
- Haftor, Darek, 1969-
(författare)
-
An Identification of Normative Sources for Systems Thinking : an Inquiry into Religious Ground-Motives for Systems Thinking Paradigms
- 2003
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - London : John Wiley & Sons. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 20:6, s. 475-487
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In celebration of C. West Churchman's work, this article investigates one of the most cherished endeavours of his thinking: to provide a normative meaning for the conduct of human affiars. Churchman has always emphasized ‘What-Ought-To-Be’, at the expense of the ‘What-Is’. To achieve this purpose, four Systems Thinking paradigms, namely Hard Systems Thinking, Soft Systems Thinking, Critical Systems Thinking, and Multimodal Systems Thinking, are investigated with regard to their foundations for normative guidance. This investigation is made by identifying their respective basic convictions in the form of so-called ‘religious ground-motives’, which are based on the assumption that all human thinking and acting starts with a credal conviction, be it Christian, Jew, Islamic, Buddhist, or other. As a result it is found that these systems thinking paradigms are either founded on an inherent contradiction or provide a normative foundation that lacks a social contract for their implementation, and therefore these paradigms do not provide a stable and satisfactory normative guidance for system design.Note: The key claim of this author is that, to be normative, an ethical theory must be grounded in a transcendental justification which is based on some religious faith. The opinions presented in this paper are strictly the author's, who does not claim that his beliefs have more merit or are more ethical than those of any competitive faiths.
|
|
| 16. |
- Haftor, Darek, 1969-, et al.
(författare)
-
Multimodal investigation of a business process and information system redesign : a post-implementation case study
- 2001
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - London : John Wiley & Sons. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 18:2, s. 181-196
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Multi-modal systems thinking (MST) has emerged in recent years as an alternative scientific paradigm to the more established ones, founded on positivistic, hermeneutic and critical bases, respectively. Among others, MST offers a system researcher and practitioner the multi-modal theory as an analysis and design tool. An attempt to use this is presented in this article. More specifically, a situation where an implementation of a new business process, supported by a new computerized information system, has taken place causing some unpredicted and unwanted consequences is presented. This case is analysed with the help of multi-modal theory, leading to an identification of system design shortcomings. This exercise shows that the employed theory is a powerful tool for construction of multi-perspective models; it provides plausible intelligibility for why unexpected consequences emerged. Further, its use generated some heuristics for future systems modelling, analysis and design. The study also shows that the theory is ambiguous in its application; this in turn calls for its further development and operationalization.
|
|
| 17. |
- Haraldsson, Hördur, et al.
(författare)
-
The tyranny of small steps: A reoccurring behaviour in management
- 2008
-
Ingår i: Systems Research and Behavioral Science. - : Wiley. - 1099-1743 .- 1092-7026. ; 25:1, s. 25-43
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)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.
|
|
| 18. |
- Hartvigsson, Elias, 1986, et al.
(författare)
-
Tackling complexity and problem formulation in rural electrification through conceptual modelling in system dynamics
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Systems Research and Behavioral Science. - : Wiley. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 37:1, s. 141-153
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Mini-grids are considered important in order to improve access to electricity in developing countries. Their technical and organizational independence from the large national grids and their interactions with local social, economic, and environmental factors suggests that system dynamics is a useful method of analysis. However, the successful implementation of mini-grids in rural electrification has partly been prevented due to complexity issues, making problem formulation difficult. Most problem-solving methods, such as system dynamics, require well-defined problems. Previous work on the problem formulation process in system dynamics is limited. This work presents a conceptual framework for tackling complexity and uncertainties in rural electrification. The conceptual framework is general and draws on research in conceptual modelling and system dynamics. The focus is on the learning that can be achieved from a system description and how it can be used to tackle complexity by reducing uncertainties and improving knowledge.
|
|
| 19. |
|
|
| 20. |
- Holmberg, Stig C.
(författare)
-
Taking Syntegrity-4 from Assumption Mode to Reflection Mode
- 2001
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : Wiley. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 18:2, s. 127-135
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A model, Syntegrity-4, for competence development in small and medium-seized enterprises (SMEs) is designed. Syntegrity-4 builds on the assumptions that competence development is a continuous activity that is best undertaken in a network with cooperation between different types of actors. Further, it is presumed that systemics and informatics have much to provide in increasing the skills of individual workers as well as the workforce as a whole. In working with the employees in a number of enterprises those assumptions have at large proven to be correct. However, the methodology in its present form is not good enough. No drastic and long-lasting positive effects could be observed in the cooperating enterprises. Hence, a group of further steps for improving and complementing Syntegrity-4 are identified.
|
|
| 21. |
- Holmström, Paul, et al.
(författare)
-
Insights gained from a systematic reanalysis of a successful model-facilitated change process in health care
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Systems Research and Behavioral Science. - : Wiley. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 38:2, s. 204-214
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- © 2020 The Authors. Systems Research and Behavioral Science published by International Federation for Systems Research and John Wiley & Sons Ltd Health care is a complex system with multiprofessional staff and multiple patient care pathways. Time pressure and minimal margins for error make it challenging to implement new policies or procedures, no matter how desirable. Changes in health care also requires the participation of the staff. System dynamics (SD) simulations can lead to shared systems understanding and allows for the development and testing of new scenarios in silico before implementing solutions. However, research shows that the actual implementation rate of simulations is low. This paper presents a reanalysis of a successful change project in health care combining SD principles with basic action research (AR) premises. The analysis was done by a multidisciplinary research group using qualitative methodology and identifies that a fruitful combination of AR inquiry and SD modelling potentially can improve implementation rates.
|
|
| 22. |
- Jönhill, Jan Inge
(författare)
-
Inclusion and exclusion : a guiding distinction to the understanding of issues of cultural background
- 2012
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 29:4, s. 387-401
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Claims for equal rights and action against discrimination because of cultural background are current issues within the multicultural global society. How can society today manage cultural differences making differences? The main aim of this article is to contribute to the understanding of issues of immigration and cultural background or diversity. It is argued that such issues may be analyzed fruitfully through the use of inclusion and exclusion as a guiding distinction, in the sense it has been developed in systems theory by Niklas Luhmann and others. It is shown how inclusion and exclusion operates in different contexts. One conclusion is that in modern society, it is never only a case of a simple division into (full) outsider-ship and insider-ship, respectively. Another conclusion is that discrimination is not structurally inherent in modern society as such, but that it is a possible outcome primarily because of the characteristics of organizations.
|
|
| 23. |
- Kapsali, Maria
(författare)
-
Equifinality in Project Management Exploring Causal Complexity in Projects
- 2013
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : Wiley. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 30:1, s. 2-14
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Surveys reveal that the majority of innovation projects do not achieve their goals and waste resources. Notorious examples are the National Health Service's National Programme for IT project and many multibillion European Union funded projects. Academics and practitioners suggest that this failure is because conventional project management methods fail to capture the serendipitous, evolutionary and experimental nature of complex innovation projects. Results from previous research based on European Union healthcare innovation projects revealed that we need to develop a robust method based on the systems thinking construct of equifinality to understand and manage complex causality in projects. This paper critically evaluates how equifinality has been used in management research, the reasons for the discontinuous application of systems thinking and equifinality and examines the ways to embed equifinality in project management, arguing how holism, control, boundary management and causal complexity are critical to the application of system thinking in project management.
|
|
| 24. |
|
|
| 25. |
- Laurenti, Rafael, et al.
(författare)
-
Unintended environmental consequences of improvement actions : A qualitative analysis of systems' structure and behavior
- 2015
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We qualitatively analysed how and why environmental improvement actions often lead to unintended environmental consequences. Different theories are integrated to delineate the underlying system structure causing this system behavior. Causal loop diagram technique is utilized to explore and visualize: how incremental improvements in material and energy efficiency can unintendedly cause consumption to increase; how this consumption rebound effect is linked to generation of waste and pollution; and how this can give rise to social and negative externalities, economic inequalities and other broad unintended consequences in our society. Consumption and incremental innovation are found to be the highest leverage points and reinforcing factors driving unintended environmental consequences in this complex system. The paper in addition explores two potential modes of behaviour dissimilar to those of unintended environmental consequences. These emerging modes of behaviour are product-service systems and environmental policy instruments. Their combination forms a prominent transition pathway from a production-consumption-dispose economy to a so-called circular economy.
|
|
| 26. |
|
|
| 27. |
|
|
| 28. |
- Löfstedt, Ulrica
(författare)
-
Competence development and learning organizations : a critical analysis of practical guidelines and methods
- 2001
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : Wiley. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 18:2, s. 115-125
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In critically analysing eight research papers about competence development in organisations, it is found that systemic models, methods and approaches have much to offer in the field of competence development. However, the proposed systemic methods have to be empirically tested. It is also desirable to further develop the ideas raised in the papers. At last further research is needed concerning a development of methods for competence development.
|
|
| 29. |
- Midgley, Gerald, et al.
(författare)
-
A systems perspective on systemic innovation
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 38:5, s. 635-670
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The term ‘systemic innovation’ is increasing in use, but there is no consensus on its meaning: five understandings of the term can be identified, each based on a different view of what the word ‘systemic’ should refer to. The first understanding focuses on technologies, where the innovation in focus is synergistically integrated with other complementary innovations, going beyond the boundaries of a single organization. Therefore, ‘systemic’ refers to technological innovations interacting in a larger product system. A second use of the term refers to the development of policies and governance at a local, regional or national scale to create an enabling environment for innovation systems. Here, ‘systemic’ means recognition that innovation systems can be enabled and/or constrained by a meta-level policy system. The third use of the term says that an innovation is ‘systemic’ when its purpose is to change societal laws and norms to place new enablers and constraints on innovation in the interests of ecological sustainability. What makes this systemic is acknowledgement of the existence of nested systems: innovation systems are parts of economic systems, which are parts of societal systems, and all societies exist on a single planetary ecosystem. The fourth use focuses on collaboration in innovation networks with multiple actors. This has evolved from the first understanding of systemic innovation, but the critical difference is the primary focus on people and processes rather than technological products. The word ´systemic´ refers to the interdependency of actors in a business or community context, leading to a need to co-create value and innovate in concert or through co-evolutionary dynamics. The fifth use of the term ‘systemic innovation’ concerns how people engage in a process to support systemic thinking and action, and it is primarily this process, and the thinking and action it gives rise to, that is seen as systemic, rather than the innovation system that they exist within or are trying to create. It is this fifth understanding that accords with most of the literature on systems thinking published over the last fifty years. The current paper offers a contemporary perspective on what systems thinkers mean by ‘systemic’, and this not only enables us to provide a redefinition of ‘systemic innovation’, but it also helps to show how all four previous forms of innovation that have been described as systemic can be enhanced by the practice of systems thinking.
|
|
| 30. |
|
|
| 31. |
- Midgley, Gerald, et al.
(författare)
-
Systemic mediation : Moral reasoning and boundaries of concern
- 2013
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : Wiley. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 30:5, s. 607-632
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper outlines a new systemic mediation approach, based on the idea that the most important thing for many participants in mediation is to have their moral reasoning understood and appreciated. This is frequently more important to people than financial reparation. We compare our mediation approach with others to demonstrate that many previous approaches share the assumption that once the interests of a participant have been identified, these should not be questioned. In contrast, our systemic mediation approach encourages participants to explore their own and other people's moral frameworks to enable critical reflection on their interests. Indeed, the concept of an 'interest' can be reframed as the boundary that a participant uses to delimit his or her concerns, and boundaries can be shifted in response to moral reasoning. Our mediation approach aims to generate both personal insights and improvements in mutual understanding. The mediator plays a facilitative role but cannot be neutral: the morality of the mediator unavoidably influences his or her facilitative interventions. Therefore, personal reflection by the mediator on his or her own moral framework is essential, so that its influences can be made visible and the facilitator can thereby be held accountable for them in dialogue with his or her peers. Tools are provided in our systemic mediation approach to support reflection on moral frameworks and boundaries of concern, and a practical example of their use in Colombian mediation practice is provided.
|
|
| 32. |
- Mirijamdotter, Anita, 1955-, et al.
(författare)
-
Making Local Knowledge Visible : The Case of the University for Business and Technology in Kosovo
- 2018
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 35:5, s. 588-597
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A vision to further national development through higher education now informs planning for the University for Business and Technology Knowledge Center. At its essence, the Center aims to make local knowledge visible through furthering discovery of and access to research content produced by academic students and university professors on institu- tional, local and international levels. This paper reports on conceptual exploration of this in- stitutional idea during spring semester 2017 in a graduate course on systems thinking and methodology. Using active learning pedagogy to improve local situations, an international teaching team facilitated student and stakeholder engagement in participatory design activ- ities using soft systems methodology tools and techniques. Course evaluation outcomes re- vealed students’ improved levels of knowledge and development of insights. In addition, their course work demonstrated their advanced understanding of systems thinking and its application. Furthermore, students expressed high motivation to learn more about other human-centred theories and participatory design tools. In considering the value of the University’s knowledge vision, they were especially enthusiastic about its implications for furthering national democratic development in Kosovo and regional economic growth in south-eastern Europe.
|
|
| 33. |
|
|
| 34. |
- Palmius, Joel
(författare)
-
A Theoretical Base for High-level Simulation of Organisational Information Systems
- 2006
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : Wiley. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 23:6, s. 815-823
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The design of organisational information systems is a study of the complex. An organisational information system in the Human Activity System sense, is the sum total of all that contributes to distributing information within an organisation. This includes the human actors participating in the system. Managing information about such a system is a difficult task. Technical support for measuring organisational information systems and comparing different ideas about organisational information systems would thus be useful. A high-level simulation of information systems could be such a technical support. There are a number of issues making such a simulation infeasible today. These mainly arise from the complexity of the simulation model, and in consequence of the data input problem. However, by introducing isomorphism and object templates, it is possible to solve some of these problems. In order to utilise these approaches, a framework for isomorphic simulations need to be developed.
|
|
| 35. |
- Preiser, Rika, et al.
(författare)
-
Co-exploring relational heuristics for sustainability transitions towards more resilient and just Anthropocene futures
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : Wiley. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 38:5, s. 625-634
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this paper, four relational heuristic responses for exploring new modes of engagement, or patterns of activity, that could enliven humanity's efforts in fostering systemic thinking and action to inform sustainability transitions are offered. Their purpose is to realise more resilient and just Anthropocene futures. These relational heuristics are (1) re-patterning our theories of change-making, (2) cultivating a shared future consciousness, (3) creating transformative spaces and (4) engaging in processes of co-exploration. We argue that these heuristics are better aligned for studying and responding to the systemic and interdependent nature of the real-world challenges we are currently facing.
|
|
| 36. |
- Rajagopalan, R., et al.
(författare)
-
Knowing Differently in Systemic Intervention
- 2015
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : Wiley. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 32:5, s. 546-561
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper makes the case for extended ways of knowing in systemic intervention. It argues that the deployment of formal (even reflective) thinking and dialogue methods are inadequate, on their own, to the critical tasks of comprehending larger wholes and appreciating others' viewpoints. Theory and techniques need to go further and access other forms of knowing, held in experiential, practical or symbolic ways. This could offer a better basis to incorporate marginalized people and other phenomena that are affected by interventions but do not have a voice, such as ecosystems and future generations.
|
|
| 37. |
- Runardotter, Mari
(författare)
-
Organizational cooperation for cultural heritage—A viable systems approach
- 2011
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : Wiley. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 28:1, s. 77-90
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper provides a good example of organizing in order to establish cooperation and responsibility for digital preservation. This is explored in relation to the Viable System Model (VSM) with accompanying theories, and builds on empirical material from a governmental authority, analyzed in two iterations. The first was based on the VSM, to reach understanding of the authority's situation. The second iteration focused on the VSM theories around responsibility and cooperation. I have found that digital preservation work is facilitated e.g. when one department deals with one preservation process (collect, preserve or make accessible), when personnel have a holistic perspective on the authority, and when communication and coordination channels are established. I additionally have found that the VSM focus on processes and functions, instead of departments or entities, is advantageous since this clarifies what is actually done, as well as who among personnel is doing what.
|
|
| 38. |
- Sankaran, Shankar, et al.
(författare)
-
The history and future of projects as a transition innovation : Towards a sustainable project management framework
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 38:5, s. 696-714
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Project management practices have evolved as the discipline grew from managing defence and engineering projects to delivering information systems, supporting organizational transformation, and managing megaprojects supporting national infrastructure needs. Thus, from starting as a tactical tool, project management grew to deliver organizational and national strategies. The next challenge for project management is to support the achievement of sustainable development goals to tackle societal challenges. How can it do this? In this article, we chart a way forward for project management to contribute to global sustainability by tracing the history of projects from prehistoric times to the 21st. We outline the development using the lens of socio-technical transitions to analyse technological niches developed to advance the field, and socio-technical regimes that have supported the development of project management to adopt these technological niches to meet changes that appear at the landscape level. By analysing the history of projects and project management, we argue that the discipline has continuously evolved as a transition innovation that can meet the challenges posed by sustainable development. However, further investigation is required. A sustainable development framework has been proposed in this article to enable project management researchers and managers to achieve this transition.
|
|
| 39. |
- Schirmer, Werner, 1976-, et al.
(författare)
-
Inclusion/Exclusion as the Missing Link. A Luhmannian Analysis of Loneliness Among Older People
- 2018
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 35:1, s. 76-89
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This article contributes to the interdisciplinary study of loneliness among older people with some insights based on Luhmann's systems theory. We argue that loneliness is a consequence of the way society includes/excludes people. In contrast to traditional societies, modern society forces people to act as individuals. In order to prevent loneliness, individuals themselves must search for membership in functionally diffuse collectivities (couple relations, friendships, communities). Luhmann's theory provides the framework to integrate the findings of empirical research. We claim that older people are more prone to loneliness for three reasons: first, after retirement they lose their performance role, which limits access to informal communities. Second, because they suffer from illness, impairment and a lack of resources more often than younger people, their access to functionally diffuse collectivities is impeded. Finally, because of structural and semantic changes in the family system, older people often find themselves at the margins of families.
|
|
| 40. |
|
|
| 41. |
- Senalp, Örsan, et al.
(författare)
-
Alexander Bogdanov and the question of unity : An emerging research agenda
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 40:2, s. 328-348
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this paper, we propose a research agenda to support the recovery of Alexander Bogdanov's philosophical and systemic thinking that culminated in his magnum opus, Tektology. Our main reason for doing so is to re-address enduring questions about the unity of science and the unity of the systems paradigm. Since the turn of the new millennium, there has been renewed interest in the ideal of the unity of science. General system theory (GST), cybernetics and complexity science are three significant intellectual sources inspiring this renewal. It is not unusual for these ideas to be grouped under the umbrella terms systems science or systems thinking, which are two ways to present a single systems paradigm, and we will explain why its "unity" is both necessary and problematic. Bringing Bogdanov's work back to address the unity question can help us to progress toward unity in diversity.
|
|
| 42. |
- Strumsky, Deborah, et al.
(författare)
-
Complexity and the productivity of innovation
- 2010
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 27:5, s. 496-509
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Innovation underpins the industrial way of life. It is assumed implicitly both that it will continue to do so, and that it will produce solutions to the problems we face involving climate and resources. These assumptions underlie the thinking of many economists and the political leaders whom they influence. Such a view assumes that innovation in the future will be as productive as it has been in the recent past. To test whether this is likely to be so, we investigate the productivity of innovation in the United States using data from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The results suggest that the conventional optimistic view may be unwarranted.
|
|
| 43. |
- Torres-Cuello, M. A., et al.
(författare)
-
Developing a Systemic Program Evaluation Methodology : A Critical Systems Perspective
- 2018
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : John Wiley and Sons Ltd. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 35:5, s. 538-547
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In recent years, there has been an increased interest within the program evaluation field in the introduction of systems thinking concepts. However, most of these introductions have been primarily directed towards supporting the practice of evaluation and not towards making theoretical advancements. This article is focused on introducing systems thinking, and specifically perspectives and concepts from the work in critical systems thinking (CST), at a theoretical level in the program evaluation field, towards a reframing of Fourth Generation Evaluation methodology. The process for carrying out such a reframing is introduced, as well as a description of the major changes produced in the evaluation methodology from incorporating the CST perspective. A new model is proposed, and how this model may be beneficial for conducting an evaluation is discussed. Finally, recommendations are made for future developments.
|
|
| 44. |
- von Schéele, Fabian, et al.
(författare)
-
Cognitive Time Distortion on the Performance of Economic Organizations
- 2014
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 31:1, s. 77-93
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper introduces a novel conception of an economic organization, where its Total Profit Equation accounts for the phenomenon of cognitive time distortionthis being understood as the discrepancy between physical and cognitive time. Cognitive time distortion is unconditionally inherent in all human beings and everything they do, and typically produces economic inefficiencies as well as human stress; all this may now be conceptualized, detected, and acted upon. The novel Total Profit Equation as introduced here, including its underlying Total Revenue Equation and the Total Cost Equation, echoes a call of the founders of Systems Sciences that non-trivial systems manifest several kinds of temporal experiences. This call has largely been ignored by the various disciplines that study organizations and their management, particularly economic organizations, where the temporal experience of economic organizations is reduced to physical time. In this sense, this contribution offers an alternative to remedy that reductionism. Copyright (c) 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
|
|
| 45. |
- Wu, Desheng Dash, et al.
(författare)
-
A System Dynamics Modelling of Contagion Effects in Accounts Risk Management
- 2014
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : Wiley. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 31:4, s. 502-511
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Financial contagion has been with us as long as there has been an economy. The system of collective human behavior usually creates stable markets, but occasionally, this collective behavior results in various bubbles. Financial contagion specifically deals with the domino effect of one banking institution failing, which, as a result of interrelationships with other banks, leads to further failures. The year 1929 was a very bad year, but 2008 had its moments as well. These financial contagions result in undermining confidence in similar institutions. Our research question is to examine whether the role of accounts receivable payments is affected by social interaction of those holding loans from a lending institution. System dynamics modelling is used to demonstrate the impact of word-of-mouth social contacts on accounts receivable, and the ensuing increase in financial risk.
|
|
| 46. |
- Wu, Desheng Dash, et al.
(författare)
-
Simulation Decision System on the Preparation of Emergency Resources Using System Dynamics
- 2015
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : Wiley. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 32:6, s. 603-615
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper establishes a simulation decision system for both emergency resource preparation and emergency resource replenishment. The decision system uses both system dynamics and goal programming. A system dynamics model is then developed and validated with real case data as simulation decision support to emergency resource replenishment. An optimization simulation using the data from the emergency resource preparation process in the Ya'an earthquake in China is reported.
|
|
| 47. |
- Wu, Desheng, et al.
(författare)
-
The State‐Of‐The‐Art Research in ‘Behavioral Risk’ : An Introduction to the Special Issue
- 2014
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : Wiley. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 31:4, s. 483-486
-
Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Risks are endemic to doing business. Current events have made enterprise risk management to be even greater in importance. The complexity and interrelated nature of business operations today call for a systems view. This special issue involves seven papers providing tools useful in understanding and analysing systems risk. This introduction summarizes these papers and discusses their common thread of how organizational decisions involving behavioral-oriented risks can be supported.
|
|
| 48. |
- Yearworth, Michael, et al.
(författare)
-
Contested Modelling : a Critical Examination of Expert Modelling in Sustainability
- 2016
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : Wiley. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 33:1, s. 45-63
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We discuss the role of expert modelling in sustainability using a framework designed to improve the effectiveness of the modelling process. Based on the development of a set of reflective questions that can be used at certain key stages in the lifecycle of projects developing such models, we discuss how using the framework would lead to improvements in the coupling of the process of expert modelling with the process of intervention, which is implied by the existence of the expert modelling project. This questioning pushes the development of a framework beyond considerations of ontology and epistemology into issues of axiology and praxis; extending the notion of contested modelling beyond the narrow scientific sense to a wider social setting. Our framework has been developed through a case study analysis of the effectiveness of four research initiatives that have used expert modelling to address the complexity of intervention in a sustainability context.
|
|
| 49. |
- Österlund, Jan, et al.
(författare)
-
Information versus inertia : a model for product change with low inertia
- 2005
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 22:6, s. 547-560
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The design of a new product is a result of the competence resource available to the company. Developing the competence resources is an organizational learning process going from the individual through the group level to the organization. If the competence resource reacts relatively slowly to meet requests in the demand from the company customers for changed knowledge in its products, it has a high inertia. Inertia comes from an unwillingness to learn new competences and is detrimental to the operative flexibility of the company. Managing the company for lowest possible inertia when dealing with a change in the product design requires managerial actions at all levels. Realizing the need for a strategic change in the competence resource, the management will take actions to start a learning process. By informing all levels about their vision for the change and by creating the enabling conditions for the learning process, they can decrease inertia. Starting a learning process requires management to provide concurrent information of different forms to suit each of the three systems levels. Each individual must be convinced of the reason for change of competence, and how it can be learned and composed to the desired product. This requires a good information structure and an existing culture of common terms and values.
|
|
| 50. |
- Jafari-Mamaghani, Mehrdad, et al.
(författare)
-
Transfer Entropy Expressions for a Class of Non-Gaussian Distributions
- 2014
-
Ingår i: Entropy. - : MDPI AG. - 1099-4300. ; 16:3, s. 1743-1755
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Transfer entropy is a frequently employed measure of conditional co-dependence in non-parametric analysis of Granger causality. In this paper, we derive analytical expressions for transfer entropy for the multivariate exponential, logistic, Pareto (type I - IV) and Burr distributions. The latter two fall into the class of fat-tailed distributions with power law properties, used frequently in biological, physical and actuarial sciences. We discover that the transfer entropy expressions for all four distributions are identical and depend merely on the multivariate distribution parameter and the number of distribution dimensions. Moreover, we find that in all four cases the transfer entropies are given by the same decreasing function of distribution dimensionality.
|
|
