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Methodologies in conflict: achieving synergies between system dynamics and organizational cybernetics
Journal
Systems Research and Behavioral Science
ISSN
1092-7026
ISSN-Digital
1099-1743
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2004-07-01
Author(s)
DOI
Abstract
Coping with complexity is at the heart of the systems approach. Several methodologies can be discerned which have proved to possess extraordinary power in dealing with complex issues. System dynamics is a general-purpose methodology for modelling and simulation employed in order to deal with dynamic complexity. Cybernetics has brought forth structural models to enable organizations to deal with the complexity of their environments. The main proposition of this paper is that these two methodological strands show potential synergies. A proposal for leveraging the complementarities of system dynamics and organizational cybernetics is made. The paper also argues that it is necessary to conflate qualitative and quantitative modelling and design approaches, as well as to improve the quality of models and strategies by strengthening the processes of validation. At a higher level of abstraction, the author postulates that, for the sake of relevance, this methodological synthesis is to build upon both the positivist and interpretivist traditions. On this basis, a framework called integrative systems methodology is proposed to help actors at different levels to achieve the requisite variety.
Language
English
Keywords
system dynamics
organizational cybernetics
management cybernetics
modelling and simulation
integrative systems methodology
methodological complementarism
complementarities framework
HSG Classification
not classified
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
Wiley-Blackwell
Publisher place
Chichester
Volume
21
Number
4
Start page
411
End page
431
Pages
21
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Eprints ID
8612