Aristotle's Holism: Systems View Of Management And Organization

Brief history

a. Development of Systems Theory

Aristotle’s Holism claims that knowledge originates from the comprehension of the whole instead of the single parts. In terms of their relative dynamics as well as their contents, researchers have been struggling with systems and parts (Mele, Cristina et al).

Ludwig Von Bertanlanffy; a biologist, evolved this historic effort during the last century into a system known as “Systems Theory” (Mele, Cristina et al). Systems theory is an interdisciplinary theory about each framework in nature, within communities and in numerous scientific departments and additionally a structure with which we can research phenomena from comprehensive method (Mele, Cristina et al).

Systems thinking originates from

What is a System?

A system is a network made up of an array of individual and interconnected components that work together cohesively as an intricate whole ("Systems View of Management and Organization.”).

b. Fundamental System Types

Primarily, there are two types of systems; closed systems and open systems ("Systems View of Management and Organization.”). Closed systems do not interact with their environment and therefore, are not affected by it ("Systems View of Management and Organization.”). However, open systems interact with their environment persistently and vigorously ("Systems View of Management and Organization.”).

Systems theory in Management

In management, systems theory is a modern holistic approach that is based on the idea that smaller, independent segments or subsystems of an organization, are integrated and function as a singular entity to achieve a collective goal ("Systems View of Management and Organization.”). Essentially, the organization is viewed as a system with a unified purpose.

Systems Theory Used in a Managerial Setting

The systems viewpoint suggests that managers attempting to operate their entity in open systems are more likely to be successful as a result of collaborating with their environment to achieve growth as opposed to closed systems ("Systems View of Management and

Inputs are all resources required to produce the goods and services such as raw materials, human resource, financial resources etc. ("Systems View of Management and Organization.”). An organization’s managerial and technological production capabilities to translate inputs into outputs are transformation processes ("Systems View of Management and Organization.”). Outputs are the end product, services and outcomes developed by the organization ("Systems View of Management and Organization.”). Information received on the results and organizational status in relation to their environment is feedback ("Systems View of Management and Organization.”). Feedback is used to indicate whether adjustments to the system are required or to indicate