WEEK 2 STUDENT RESPONSES ORG 817

WEEK 2 STUDENT RESPONSES

ORIGINAL QUESTION

To what extent, if at all, does the application of systems thinking influence stability management in a complex system? Explain.

Student 1 - Ilian

General systems theory and chaordic systems theory focus on the complexities of an organization’s function. The foundational concept of system theory recognizes the inherently complex relationship between various systems within a larger organization (Klier et al., 2022). These dynamic interactions enhance an organization's capacity to develop innovative solutions to changing needs (Papavasiliou & Gorod, 2022). Organizational change includes transitioning from a current state to a future desired state (Burnes, 2005). Lewin's (1947) three-step change model provides a theoretical framework for conceptually defining the phases of organizational change. The phases include unfreezing current practices, implementing change, and stabilizing new practices. Change occurs when there is disequilibrium in the efficiency level of driving and resisting forces to a change (Allaoui & Benmoussa, 2020). Proponents of a planned approach to organizational change argue that Lewin’s model is based on a linear and static perception of an organization's function (Kanter et al., 1992, p. 10). Chaordic systems theory is a perspective that challenges the predictability of linear cause-and-effect relationships. 

Chaordic systems theory is a complexity theory concerned with the function of non-linear systems. An organization's dynamic systems constantly transform (Bechtold, 1997; Haigh, 2002). Patterns of behavior are unpredictable and non-linear, disrupting traditional order (Fitzgerald, 2002a). Rather than seeing chaos and order as opposites, chaordic systems theory leverages this instability to transform existing behavior patterns to more appropriately meet a need (Fitzgerald, 2002b). Stacey et al. (2002) and Hock (1999) describe this instability as the key to organizational survival. Chaordic systems theory aligns with the function of an organization by focusing on the natural instability that arises from complex and dynamic interactions. 

Student 2- Joe

Whether chaordic systems theory or general systems theory provides better understanding of how an organization functions is a difficult determination to make. This is partially because of the relatively recent development of chaordic theory as well as the inconsistency regarding key definitions. Chaordic systems theory, developed by Dee Hock as a portmanteau of  chaos and  order, arose in the mid 1990s as a result of the creation of the first credit card systems within the Bank of America banking system (Hock, 1995). By comparison, general systems theory has been examined and refined since before von Bertalanffy's (1968) publication of  General Systems Theory: Foundations, development, applications. As a result of the youth of chaordic theory, an pivotal term like  chaos is defined by some researchers as a synonym of  complexity and worthy of being labeled a full theory (Farmaki et al., 2022). Others have labeled chaordic systems theory a model of complexity thinking and complexity management in which many independent actors take many actions influencing system processes in unforeseen ways which might lead to learning and self-organization (Putnik et al., 2021). Because of the lack of clarity and inconsistency to date within chaordic systems research, general systems theory appears to provide a better and more cohesive understanding of how organizations function.  

Student 3- Kell

Whereas general systems theory (GST) gives an overview to systems, chaordic systems theory (CST) goes into more detail. According to van Eijnatten (2004, p. 430), chaos and complexity have roots in the hard sciences such as mathematics, physics, and chemistry. CST attempts to articulate the paradigm rather than reinvent it (p. 430). Among many specific characteristics, chaos and complexity help make up whole systems (p. 442). CST states that that the technical term of consciousness is not a sole prerequisite to humankind only, but rather it is a property of all chaordic systems (p. 443). Humankind in early cultures, and even now experience being "thrown" into a hostile world (von Bertalanffy, 1972, p. 407). Science is only one perspective that man has created to deal with the universe into which he is "thrown", and how he adapts according to evolution and history (p. 423). This humanistic concern of GST gives rise to fear the ultimate step toward mechanization (p. 423). Science offers useful laws that explain how things behave, especially in the hard sciences (Gabriele, 2021, p. 583). Boulding, a cofounder of GST, organized systems of the world based on their complexity (p. 586). Traditional or hard science thinking does not apply to social systems (p. 586), but theory lends itself in addition to technical mathematical theory (von Bertalanffy, 1972, p. 414). Organizational functions can be better understood by chaordic systems theory.