What is variety engineering and why do we need it?

Journal
Systems Research and Behavioral Science
ISSN
1092-7026
1099-1743
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2023
Author(s)
;
Ott, Stefan
DOI
Abstract
Management in systemic terms means to cope with complexity. Ross Ashby's law of requisite variety shows the way-maintaining the varieties of interacting systems in balance. To denote that process, we use the cybernetic concept of 'variety engineering', which we also formalize. It refers to processes of mutual complexity amplification and attenuation by interacting agents. The purpose of this contribution is to elicit ways of coping with complexity by means of variety engineering. The abstract concepts are illustrated by examples from ecological, social and economic contexts.
Language
English
Keywords
management of complexity
requisite variety
sustainability
systemic management
variety engineering
Refereed
Yes
Volume
2023
Start page
1-12
Pages
12
URL
Contact Email Address
markus.schwaninger@unisg.ch
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