Interacting systems Framework

Imogene King – Goal attainment theory

- Developed a genereal stystem framework in the theory of Goal attainment. Where the
framework refers to the 3 interacting systems: individual or personal, group or interpersonal,
society or social
- Pertains to the importance of action, perception, communication, transaction, self, role stress,
growth and development, time and personal space.
- Emphasizes the importance of interaction between nurses and patients. That views that this
interaction is an open system which in constant interaction with the variety of environmental
factors.
- The theory points out the applicability of this theory to nursingtoday

3 interrelated Systems:

1. Personal System – perceptions, self, growth and development, body image, space and time
Quality care
2. Interpersonal - interaction, communication, transaction role, stress. Has the greteast influence
on the development of her theory
3. Social - organization, authority power status and decision making Quality care

The major elements in goal attainment are discovered in the interpersonal system in which 2 people
who are usually stranger come together in health care organization to help and to be helped to maintain
a state of health that permits functioning roles.

The human process of interactions formed the basis for designing a model of transactions that depicted
theoretical knowledge used by nurses to help individuals and groups attaining the goal

Interaction – process of perception and communication between person and environment and between
person and person represented by verbal and nonverbal behaviours that are goal directed