Week 7. Discussion. Systems Theory
In 1968, biologist Ludwig von Bertalanffy developed General Systems Theory (GST). Simply put, GST suggests that complex issues are best understood by examining how interdependences and interrelationships among their component parts account for the whole. Prior to the development of systems theory, professionals from many different disciplines examined one part of a problem in isolation, which is referred to as a reductionist approach. For example, medical doctors using a reductionist approach would focus solely on the biological causes of a disease (e.g., abnormal cells) without also considering sociological causes (e.g., exposure to pollutants) and psychological causes (e.g., smoking to reduce stress).
Taking a systems approach can also be useful for organizational development and change. Last week you examined change management theories, which illustrate that there are many different parts of change that must be considered to manage it effectively. In this Discussion, you will explore systems theory and its importance for organizational development and change.
To prepare for this Discussion:
· Read the article, “Systems Theories (Psychology).” Pay particular attention to the definition of systems theory and how it is applied.
· Read pages 368–388 in the e-book,
General Systems Theory. Think about the life cycle of organizations and identify specific examples of organizational development and change.
· Select an organization for which you currently work or have previously worked, or a well-known organization (e.g., Amazon, Walmart, Facebook). Consider the benefits of using systems theory for organizational development and change (e.g., creation of new product line, implementation of new software, mergers/acquisitions, downsizing).
Required Reading:
Systems Theory
· Lalande, D., & Baumeister, R. F. (2013). Systems theories (psychology).
Salem Press Encyclopedia of HealthLinks to an external site.
.
· Time Estimate: 10 minutes
· Skyttner, L. (2005). Organizational theory and management cybernetics. In L. Skyttner,
General systems theory: Problems, perspectives, practiceLinks to an external site.
(2nd ed., pp. 352–389). Singapore: World Scientific.
· Note: Read pages 368–388 only
· Time Estimate: 40 minutes
Leadership and Organizations
· Ashkanasy, N., & Dorris, A. (2018). Organizational culture and climate. In D. S. Ones, N. Anderson, C. Viswesvaran, & H. K. Sinangil (Eds.),
The SAGE handbook of industrial, work, and organizational psychologyLinks to an external site.
(2nd ed., Vol. 3, pp. 187-205). London, UK: SAGE Publications, Ltd.
· Note: Chapter 9
· Time Estimate: 40 minutes
· Germano, M. (2010, June).
Leadership style and organizational impactLinks to an external site.
. Retrieved from
· Time Estimate: 15 minutes
INSTRUCTIONS: Briefly explain systems theory. Then assess its importance for organizational change and development. In your assessment, use specific examples from the organization you selected and current research on systems theory to illustrate your points.
