scholarly journals Requisite variety, autopoiesis, and self-organization

Kybernetes ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 866-873 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Gershenson
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Efficient Solutions ◽  
Living Systems ◽  
Self Organization ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Requisite Variety ◽  
Law Of Requisite Variety ◽  
Build Systems

Purpose – Autopoiesis is a concept originally used to define living systems. However, no measure for autopoiesis has been proposed so far. Moreover, how can we build systems with a higher autopoiesis value? The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Relating autopoiesis with Ashby’s law of requisite variety, self-organization is put forward as a way in which systems can be designed to match the variety of their environment. Findings – Guided self-organization has been shown to produce systems which can adapt to the requisite variety of their environment, offering more efficient solutions for problems that change in time than those obtained with traditional techniques. Originality/value – Being able to measure autopoiesis allows us to apply this measure to all systems. More “living” systems will be fitter to survive in their environments: biological, social, technological, or urban.

scholarly journals Transcomputability, (Glanville’s corollary of) Ashby’s law of requisite variety and epistemic processes

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 793-804 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Fischer
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Related Literature ◽  
Ethical Position ◽  
Requisite Variety ◽  
Strict Control ◽  
Law Of Requisite Variety

Purpose Ranulph Glanville has argued that ambitions of strict control are misplaced in epistemic processes such as learning and designing. Among other reasons, he has presented quantitative arguments for this ethical position. As a part of these arguments, Glanville claimed that strict control even of modest systems transcends the computational limits of our planet. The purpose of this paper is to review the related discourse and to examine the soundness of this claim. Design/methodology/approach Related literature is reviewed and pertinent lines of reasoning are illustrated and critically examined using examples and straightforward language. Findings The claim that even modest epistemic processes transcend the computational means of our planet is challenged. The recommendation to assume out-of-control postures in epistemic processes, however, is maintained on ethical rather than on quantitative grounds. Research limitations/implications The presented reasoning is limited in as far as it is ultimately based on an ethical standpoint. Originality/value This paper summarizes an important cybernetic discourse and dispels the notion therein that epistemic processes necessarily involve computational demands of astronomical proportions. Furthermore, this paper presents a rare discussion of Glanville’s Corollary of Ashby’s Law of Requisite Variety.

Towards a non-trivializing education

Kybernetes ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 913-925
Author(s):  
Germán Ulises Bula
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Central Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Requisite Variety ◽  
Law Of Requisite Variety ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a model of education that is non-reproductive; that is, productive of non-trivial machines. The reason for this is the postulate that society’s main problems are second-order deficiencies, which cannot be fixed by doing what we do better or more intensely, but rather by changing what we do. Design/methodology/approach – This paper proposes several guidelines for non-reproductive education based on Von Foerster’s concept of a non-trivial machine and of legitimate questions, and Ashby’s law of requisite variety. The ideas presented are corollaries and the result of a philosophical fleshing-out of said concepts and laws. Findings – In order to have a non-reproductive education, it is necessary to limit the role of central control and promote self-evaluation in education at every level of recursion: that is, in the relationship between state and educational institutions, educational institutions and teachers, teacher and students and students as evaluators of themselves. Originality/value – First, the concept of genuine self-evaluation is proposed, to distinguish this from what is currently called self-evaluation; which, it is shown, is not truly so. Second, the concept of authentic research is proposed, as distinguished from original research. This is useful for seeing how legitimate questions work at all levels of education. Third, a number of relationships between cybernetics and philosophical thought are established. Fourth, a model for non-reproductive education is proposed.

White box, black box and self-organization

Kybernetes ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 126-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krzysztof Kasianiuk
Keyword(s):  
System Identification ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Open Systems ◽  
Black Box ◽  
Self Organization ◽  
Cognitive Tools ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Complex Adaptive ◽  
Adaptive Processes ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present two system identification models – “white box” and “black box” – as useful tools that help understand self-organization processes within and outside the organizations facilitated by leaders. Every leader is presented as a “systems designer” who plays a fundamental role in the process of self-organization, both within and outside the organization under study. Design/methodology/approach – First, “white box” and “black box” system identification models are presented as a basis for an integrated model of the “system” and its “environment.” Next, the ideas of “closed” and “open” systems as the prerequisites of self-organization processes are described. Finally, two basic leadership tactics as well as their combination are characterized and discussed. Findings – Two system identification models give a complementary view to the reality, as they combine both reductionist and holistic perspectives. The argument presented in the paper shows that there is a far reaching complementarity of the two system identification models. Practical implications – Since leaders need to comprehend complex adaptive processes taking place in the organizations and in their environment, they search for the best strategy to approach this task. The tactics presented in the paper could serve as a cognitive tools that help approach the reality leaders are immersed in. Originality/value – The paper utilizes two categories that are well recognized in systems theory and cybernetics, combines them with the idea of self-organization and puts it all in the context of leadership. It provides an integrated, yet relatively simple cognitive scheme that may be of theoretical and practical use.

Multiple objectivity: an anti‐relativist approach to situated knowledge

Kybernetes ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 40 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 995-1003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ron Eglash
Keyword(s):  
Science And Technology Studies ◽  
Alternative Form ◽  
Situated Knowledge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Requisite Variety ◽  
Law Of Requisite Variety ◽  
Relativist Approach ◽  
Epistemological Relativism ◽  
Cybernetic Concept

PurposeThe paper aims to describe the inadequate nature of both “mono‐objectivist” approaches, which deny any role of social influence in science, and relativist social constructions, which fail to distinguish between science and pseudoscience. It outlines an alternative conceptual framework that allows for the possibility of social construction of science, while preventing epistemological relativism.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilizes the cybernetic concept of recursion to show how science can bend back on itself, investigating its own foundations, without undermining its ability to improve our empirical understanding of the world. The paper makes use of several case studies to define specific mechanisms that show how the process of knowledge production in science can steer a course between reduction to a single “right answer,” and fragmentation into subjective interpretations.FindingsThe paper concludes by showing how the cybernetic recursion of multiple objectivity can also be applied to cybernetics itself. In particular, it suggests that such recursive investigations allow us to reconsider the Law of Requisite Variety, and envision an alternative form that can better account for the complexity that arises in self‐generating systems.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is unlikely to be of use to scientists looking for epistemological proof of singular right answers, or social constructivists looking for proof of epistemological relativism.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that researchers in constructivism need not limit their work for fear that it will lead to relativist conclusions.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified need to offer an alternative to current developments in the field of science and technology studies.

Multiple perspectives on the terms “cyberneticist” versus “cybernetician”

Kybernetes ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 43 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 1425-1434
Author(s):  
Tirumala Rao Vinnakota ◽  
Faisal L Kadri ◽  
Simon Grant ◽  
Ludmila Malinova ◽  
Peter Davd Tuddenham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Group ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Clear Distinction ◽  
Self Organization ◽  
Constant Flow ◽  
Multiple Perspectives ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Directions ◽  
American Society

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate and clarify possible distinctions between the terms “cyberneticist” and “cybernetician” with the intention of helping the growth of the cybernetics discipline in new directions. Design/methodology/approach – After the American Society for Cybernetics ALU 2013 conference in Bolton, a small group of conference participants continued the conversations they had begun during the event, focusing on the comparison of the terms “cyberneticist” vs “cybernetician”. The group felt the need for clearer distinctions drawn (or designed) between the terms, in order to sustain the discipline of cybernetics and to support its growth. The aim of providing these distinctions is that theory should feed into practice and practice should feed into theory, forming a cybernetic loop, so that the discipline of cybernetics is sustained while growing. The conference participants had conversations between themselves, and came up with multiple perspectives on the distinction between “cyberneticist” vs “cybernetician”. The distinctions drawn mirror the distinctions between Science and Design: the science of cybernetics contrasted with the design of cybernetics. Findings – The findings of this paper consist of recommendations to understand and act differently in the field of the discipline of cybernetics. In particular, a clear distinction is suggested between the terms “cyberneticist” and “cybernetician”. It is also suggested that in order for cybernetics to grow and be sustained, there should be a constant flow of developments in theory of cybernetics into the practice of cybernetics and vice-versa. Originality/value – The authors believe that some people (called “cyberneticists”) should work on the science side of cybernetics, making strong contributions to the understanding and development of cybernetics theory. Others, (called “cyberneticians”) should work on the design side of cybernetics, to contribute through their actions and through the development of cybernetics practice. The result of this will be a self-organization that evolves naturally between theory and practice of cybernetics, leading to better learning of cybernetics, and in the process, sustaining it through continued growth. In this direction, the paper proposes several radical suggestions that may not be to the liking of traditionalists, but may be better received by the scientists and designers of cybernetics who can make a difference to the growth of the discipline of cybernetics.

Robotic applications continue to expand at the latest IMTS show

2011 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 224-228
Author(s):  
Richard Bloss
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Efficient Solutions ◽  
Robot System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Application Specific ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Robotic Applications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago with emphasis on new innovative robot applications on display.Design/methodology/approachIn‐depth interviews with exhibitors of robots as well as system integrators who apply robots to specific categories of applications.FindingsRobots are becoming smarter with more integrated capabilities such as vision and autonomous part picking from random bin locations. They are becoming more economical, faster and more application specific. Robot system integrators are creating more efficient solutions for customers to consider.Originality/valueThe paper suggests that users who investigated robot solutions in the past and found they did not meet applications requirements may want to revisit robotics and see what is new. Robot makers are making them faster, smarter and more adaptable than ever before. Today's robotic solutions can better address application needs in a more cost‐effective manner than ever before.

scholarly journals Regenerative tourism in Aotearoa New Zealand – A new paradigm for the VUCA world

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Josie Major ◽  
Debbie Clarke
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Systems Theory ◽  
Social Entrepreneurship ◽  
Paradigm Shift ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Living Systems ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Aotearoa New Zealand ◽  
Practical Demonstration

PurposeThe paper provides a summary of the findings from GOOD Awaits – The Regenerative Tourism New Zealand (NZ) Podcast and envisions a regenerative future for tourism in Aotearoa.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on the findings from the GOOD Awaits Podcast, a series of interviews with pioneers and practitioners of regenerative tourism. The podcast was created as a platform for the collective discovery of a new way forward for tourism in the wake of COVID-19, and the series provides a detailed summary of the regenerative tourism movement in NZ.FindingsThrough these interviews, a vision for a regenerative visitor economy in Aotearoa emerged. This new model is rooted in indigenous knowledge and living systems theory. It is a paradigm shift that allows us to see tourism as a living ecosystem and requires innovative economic models, such as social entrepreneurship, systems level changes to the way tourism operates and is governed, local tourism solutions with community thriving as the primary aim and much more collaboration both within tourism and across sectors.Originality/valueRegenerative tourism is an emerging model and one that is rapidly gaining traction in NZ and globally. The GOOD Awaits podcast is a unique, thoughtful and practical demonstration of what this model could look like in Aotearoa. It demonstrates the potential and feasibility of regenerative tourism practice, and the response has shown the desire for these conversations at a national and international scale. This paper is an accessible summary of the podcast's first season and has value for anyone interested in the regenerative tourism movement in Aotearoa.

Understanding tag functions in a moderated, user-generated metadata ecosystem

2018 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 490-508 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayse Gursoy ◽  
Karen Wickett ◽  
Melanie Feinberg
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Social Science ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Science Methods ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Science Methods ◽  
Communicative Context ◽  
Build Systems ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Discursive Context

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate tag use in a metadata ecosystem that supports a fan work repository to identify functions of tags and explore the system as a co-constructed communicative context. Design/methodology/approach Using modified techniques from grounded theory (Charmaz, 2007), this paper integrates humanistic and social science methods to identify kinds of tag use in a rich setting. Findings Three primary roles of tags emerge out of detailed study of the metadata ecosystem: tags can identify elements in the fan work, tags can reflect on how those elements are used or adapted in the fan work, and finally, tags can express the fan author’s sense of her role in the discursive context of the fan work repository. Attending to each of the tag roles shifts focus away from just what tags say to include how they say it. Practical implications Instead of building metadata systems designed solely for retrieval or description, this research suggests that it may be fruitful to build systems that recognize various metadata functions and allow for expressivity. This research also suggests that attending to metadata previously considered unusable in systems may reflect the participants’ sense of the system and their role within it. Originality/value In addition to accommodating a wider range of tag functions, this research implies consideration of metadata ecosystems, where different kinds of tags do different things and work together to create a multifaceted artifact.

Development of a behavioral taxonomy of agility in the workplace

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Moritz Karl Herbert Petermann ◽  
Hannes Zacher
Keyword(s):  
Concept Mapping ◽  
Critical Incident ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Employee Performance ◽  
Self Organization ◽  
Hiring Decisions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Workforce Agility ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Take All

PurposeThe concept of workforce agility has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, defining it has sparked much discussion and ambiguity. Recognizing this ambiguity, this paper aims to inductively develop a behavioral taxonomy of workforce agility.Design/methodology/approachThe authors interviewed 36 experts in the field of agility and used concept mapping and the critical incident technique to create a behavioral taxonomy.FindingsThe authors identified a behavioral taxonomy consisting of ten dimensions: (1) accepting changes, (2) decision making, (3) creating transparency, (4) collaboration, (5) reflection, (6) user centricity, (7) iteration, (8) testing, (9) self-organization, and (10) learning.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors’ research contributes to the literature in that it offers an inductively developed behavioral taxonomy of workforce agility with ten dimensions. It further adds to the literature by tying the notion of workforce agility to the performance literature.Practical implicationsThe authors’ results suggest that it might be beneficial for companies to take all workforce agility dimensions into account when creating an agile culture, starting agile projects, integrating agility into hiring decisions or evaluating employee performance.Originality/valueThis paper uses an inductive approach to define workforce agility as a set of behavioral dimensions, integrating the scientific as well as the practitioner literature on agility.

Performance for viability: complexity and variety management

Kybernetes ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 1020-1029 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raul Espejo
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Complexity Management ◽  
Requisite Variety ◽  
Environmental Agents ◽  
Law Of Requisite Variety ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Methodological Considerations ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – It is natural for interacting organisational actors and environmental agents to experience complexity asymmetries. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the balancing of these complexities at a level of performance that not only maintains the organisation’s viability but also the health of its ecosystem. Design/methodology/approach – Ashby (1964) proposed variety, or the number of possible states of a situation, as a measure of complexity and the Law of Requisite Variety as an ontology and heuristic for complexity management strategies. Following these propositions Beer’s variety engineering (Beer, 1979) is a construct to design these strategies. Findings – This paper offers epistemological and methodological considerations to discuss the viability and performance of organisational systems. Research limitations/implications – Measuring organisational performance needs powerful methodological support. This paper offers to some extend this support but it needs further development. Practical implications – Performance is related to the concept of dynamic capabilities, which in recent times has had important practical implications. Originality/value – Though the concepts of this paper have a long history, their methodological articulation is original.

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