Test 2 Ch 4-5 Flashcards
System Components
Hierarchically ordered, Interdependent, Permeable
Input–Throughput–Output processes
Exchange, feedback processes
System Properties
Holism, equifinality, negative entropy, requisite variety
Hierarchically ordered
system consists of smaller subsystems and is embedded within larger supersystems
Interdependent
System components depend on each other for effective functioning
Permeable
system is open to its environment , and system components are open to each other
Exchange processes
input and output processes require exchange between the system and the environment. throughput processes require exchange among system components
feedback processes
system control is maintained through feedback. corrective (negative) feedback serves to keep a system on a steady course. growth (positive) feedback serves to transform or change a system
Holism
because of component interdependence, a system is more than the sum of its parts
equifinality
because of component interdependence, there are multiple paths to any system outcome
negative entropy
because of system openness, a system has the ability to avoid deterioration and thrive
requisite variety
because of system openness, a system should maintain the internal complexity necessary to cope with external complexity.
a bias for action
Excellent Organizations react quickly and do not spend excess time planning and analyzing
close relations to the customer
Excellent Organizations gear decisions and actions to the needs of customers
autonomy and entrepreneurship
Excellent Organizations encourage employees to take risks in the development of new ideas
productivity through people
Excellent Organizations encourage positive and respectful relationships among management and employees
hands-on, value-driven
Excellent Organizations have employees and managers who share the same core value of productivity and performance
stick to the knitting
Excellent Organizations stay focused on what they do best and avoid radical diversification
simple form, lean staff
Excellent Organizations avoid complex structures and divisions of labor
simultaneous loose-tight properties
Excellent Organizations exhibit both unity of purpose and the diversity necessary for innovation
Systems/Orgasmic Metaphor
metaphor used for organizations rather than the mechanistic metaphor
System components
What systems are made of
~people
~departments
Types:
~Hierarchical Ordering
~Interdependence
~Permeability
System Process
How systems work
Types: ~Holism ~equifinality ~negative entropy ~requisite variety
System properties
Unique characteristics that arise from these components and processes
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Hierarchical Ordering
arranged in highly complex ways that involve subsystems and super systems
Interdependence
implies that the functioning of one component of a system relies on other components of the system
Permeability
allows information to flow in and out
Input-throughput-output
system inputs info from the environment through its permeable boundaries. the system then works on these inputs with some kind of transformational process (throughput) finally the system returns the transformed output to the environment
Exchange
apparent in both input and output exchanging
feedback
info that helps to facilitate the interdependent functioning of system components
Types: negative feedback, corrective feedback, or deviation-reducing feedback (steady system functioning) /positive, growth, or deviation-amplifying feedback (change through growth and development)
Holism
more than the sum of its parts
equifinality
a system can reach the same final state from differing initial conditions and by a variety of paths
negative entropy
tendency of closed systems to run down
requisite variety
the internal workings of the system must be as diverse and complicated as the environment in which it is embedded
cybernetics
process through which physical, natural, and organizational systems are steered toward reaching system goals
Cybernetic system consists of
~systam goal
~mechanisms
~feedback
