Open & Closed Systems

Read the following examples and using the table on p. 45 as well as other material in the text determine which system is MOST likely being described:

the properties of the system as a whole can be encompassed by considering the individual systems, e.g.,

Open systems perspective also suggests that organization's efficiency is equally important to it's success. An organization is efficient when it produces more outputs with less then normally required inputs, and when it's internal subsystems have good coordination among them. But this is difficult in reality. Because there are some negative elements in subsystems such as miscommunication and hostilities, which undermine efficiency of organization. These elements cannot be eliminated as subsystems of an organization are also open systems and organization gets affected by them also. (McShane & Steen, 2012, p.6)

The City of Crestview is facing a systemic problem where there is a flaw in the system. According to the System theory, the organization is comprised of several interconnect parts, each of which is designed to achieve broader organizational goals and objectives. The system theory looks at organization in terms of inputs, processes, outputs and feedback mechanism. (Holzer & Schwester,

In order for any organization to be successful, they must find effective ways to change systems and policies that are ineffective in creating a successful environment. A system consists of four things, elements, attributes, internal relationships, and the system environment. The systems theory is transdisciplinary study of the abstract organization of phenomena, independent of their substance, type, or spatial or temporal scale of existence (Heylighen & Joslyn, 1992). The study investigates all the principals common to all complex bodies, and the models which can be used to describe them. Von Bertalanffy (1971) was the creator of the “system” concept, he developed this idea as an answer to the limitations of individual disciplines in addressing complex social issues (Mitchell, 2005). The underlining principal of this theory is that an organization consists of multiple, interdependent parts that collectively form more than the sum of their parts. Developed from the systems theory, are three separate theories with the basis of each being the systems theory. The activity theory considers the entire program versus just one single sector, it sees the operation as a whole instead of sub departments, it combines both micro and macro elements of the organization. The chaos theory does not mean a chaotic hectic situation, rather a situation where there appears to be little to no order, there really is a hidden underlying order. The complexity theory is

The company benefits from open systems theory because it takes into account modern cultural changes and needs.

Open approaches are definitive choices that are made in administrative, official, or legal extensions of government. They are definitive in the setting that the moves made at these levels have authenticity and are tying, at any rate until the point that changes are made in one of those extensions that influences the approach.

Organizations tend to adopt three major theoretical perspectives that form the basis of their systems. The three include the open, rational and the closed systems (Scott, 2003). There is the crucial need to ensure one can understand these perspectives to understand how the organizations operate. The three perspectives are a representation of the scientific development of the organizations.

The open systems model can be used to diagnose these problems, identify their causes, find the best solutions, and provide recommendations (Harrison, 2004).

A business has many influences that provide a duel effect on its operations. Not only can they cause the business to undergo change and continually adjust to the external factors in the business environment, but they also provide threats and opportunities in the operations process.

There is evidence for specific relationship between communication, trust, and organisational openness. Managers develop trust among employees to meet organisational goals. Top management of an organisation always depends on their supervisors for an effective communication between management and employees. While workers depend on top management to set the strategy and determine methods for organisational achievement, managers must be trusted to show workers the association between workers' tasks and the organisational objectives and to give more particular and high standard information required to perform their jobs well (Thomas, Zolin, & Hartman, 2009). Openness is a key element of communication to predict one’s level of involvement in a work. Therefore, if an employee sees the organisation is a free place to express himself, he is more likely to be involved in the organisational goals and this could foster a better work environment. (Thomas, Zolin, & Hartman, 2009).

         The sociotechnical system and managerial subsystem are affected due to the changes occurring within the company. An example of these changes is the hiring of all the individuals within the new OD group. The technical subsystem has been affected by the recent introduction of new products within the company due to competitive companies. The structural subsystem has been affected since the OD group started training company employees on management styles. The psychosocial subsystem was affected when the employees had dislike towards the OD group and the training that had been developed. Also, the OD group

Ć Chichester, Wiley, 1989, The Viable System Model: interpretation and application of Stafford Beer's VSM, JOHN WILEY&SONS

Organizational environments: Reciprocal relationships exist between an organization and environments; information systems provide organizations a way to identify external changes that might require an organizational response.

The system is characterized by the relationships of its components and the non-linearity that exists between these components.