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Input-Throughput-Output
Inputs
Maintenance Inputs (energic imports that sustain system)
Production Inputs (energic imports which are processed to yield a productive outcome)
Throughput (System parts transform the material or energy)
Output (System returns product to the environment)
TRANSFORMATION MODEL (input is transformed by system)
Feedback and Dynamic Homeostasis
Positive Feedback - move from status quo
Negative Feedback - return to status quo
Dynamic Homeostasis - balance of energy exchange
Equivocality and Requisite Variety (Karl Weick)
Equivocality (uncertainty and ambiguity)
Requisite Variety (complex inputs must be addressed with complex processes)
Characteristics of Organizations as Systems
Role of Communication
Communication mechanisms must be in place for the organizational
system to exchange relevant information with its environment
Boundary Spanners perform this function!
Media Outlets are communication link between system & environment
Communication provides for the flow of information among the subsystems
Systems, Subsystems, and Supersystems
Systems are a set of interrelated parts that turn inputs into outputs through
processing
Subsystems do the processing
Supersystems are other systems in environment of which the survival of the focal
system is dependent
Five Main Types of Subsystems
Production (technical) Subsystems - concerned with throughputs-assembly line
Supportive Subsystems - ensure production inputs are available-import raw material
Maintenance Subsystems - social relations in the system-HR, training
Adaptive Subsystems - monitor the environment and generate responses (PR)
Managerial Subsystems - coordinate, adjust, control, and direct subsystems
Characteristics of Organizations as Systems
Boundaries
The part of the system that separates it from its environment
Four Types of Boundaries (Becker, 1997)
Physical Boundary - prevents access (security system)
Linguistic Boundary - specialized language (jargon)
Systemic Boundary - rules that regulate interaction (titles)
Psychological Boundary - restricts communication (stereotypes, prejudices)
The Closed System
Healthy organization is OPEN
Do not recognize they are embedded in a relevant environment
Overly focused on internal functions and behaviors
Do not recognize or implement equifinality
Inability to use feedback appropriately
CO-DEPENDENT
Characteristics of Organizations as Systems