Theoretical notes regarding the practical application of Stafford Beer’s viable system model

Kybernetes ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 262-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus Orengo
Keyword(s):  
System Model ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Viable System Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Early Adopters ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Diffusion Curve ◽  
Viable System ◽  
Societal Problems ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to capture current difficulties with the practical application of the viable system model (VSM). On this basis, a set of suggestions toward a more effective application of the model is made. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on observations from practical applications of the VSM, systematically collected by the author. Findings The paper suggests that the VSM is currently stuck in the typical chasm of a bell-shaped diffusion curve. The paper makes six propositions to smoother pass from the early adopters to the early majority. Research limitations/implications The six findings imply various research efforts. Practical implications In contrast to frequent claims that VSM should be made accessible easily to a larger number of people, the paper suggests that a smaller number of better trained VSM experts support a larger number of managers with a more generic know how. Social implications A more focused but broader application of the VSM may lead to better societal organizations and therefore to a more efficient effective solution of societal problems. Originality/value The paper suggests to tighten the focus of the VSM to the very abstract topic of judging variety balances and at the same time to better connect the model with the suite of established methods and tools in management. This is a contrast to other attempts, which either simplify the VSM or extend it into a comprehensive methodology.

A new management for enduring company success

Kybernetes ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 40 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 369-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
William F. Christopher
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
System Model ◽  
Business Enterprise ◽  
Viable System Model ◽  
System Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Turbulent Times ◽  
Changing Times ◽  
Viable System ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain how the system science and cybernetics in Stafford Beer's viable system model (VSM) will help management structure and manage their company to achieve on‐going success in a fast‐changing world.Design/methodology/approachThe author worked with Stafford Beer in the 1970s, applying his VSM in the corporation he then worked for and has used the VSM ideas in work with companies in 16 countries, always with success. The VSM instructs in how to structure and how to manage. For what to manage the author used Peter Drucker's key performance areas, and has more than 50 years of experience working in these areas.FindingsThe author has found, during his long career in industry and in consulting, that the VSM is the best available guide for structuring and managing a business enterprise for success in turbulent times.Practical implicationsIn the 1950s, Ralph Cordiner “decentralized” General Electric into 120 businesses, pioneering a new, better way to structure and manage a corporation. After 50 years, we have the next revolutionary advance in management, the system science and cybernetics in Stafford's VSM. The VSM includes information and environments in structure, enabling companies to change as appropriate for achieving on‐going success in a world of huge and fast‐growing variety.Originality/valueThe paper shows how a simple form of the VSM includes all the system science company management needs to structure and manage their company for enduring success in fast‐changing times.

Extending the viable system model scope on ICT-sector software projects in Castilla y León

Kybernetes ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julio César Puche Regaliza
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Control ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
System Model ◽  
Software Project ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Software Projects ◽  
Viable System Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Castilla Y Leon ◽  
Viable System

Purpose – This paper aims to extend the scope of the viable system model (VSM), which was developed by Stafford Beer in favour of its formalisation and practical application, to overcome the criticism about its abstract nature. Design/methodology/approach – This extension is achieved using the descriptive validation of a software project structural organisation based on the information that was obtained from the ICT sector set of companies in Castilla y León. Findings – The main conclusion of the study indicates deficiencies in the proactive environmental control of the software project. To overcome these shortcomings at least partially, the author proposes the use of integrated dynamic simulation models and Team Syntegrity. Finally, the analysis provides a detailed reference to diagnose or design a software project organisational structure with viability-defined characteristics. Such reference can be adapted to different fields by extrapolating its application in favour of the VSM universality. Originality/value – The originality is based on the VSM application in software projects organisation. The value is based on VSM formalisation and practical application, to overcome the criticism about its abstract nature.

Good social cybernetics is a must in policy processes

Kybernetes ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 874-890 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raul Espejo
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
System Model ◽  
Viable System Model ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Recursive Structures ◽  
Self Organisation ◽  
Viable System ◽  
Self Reference ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Illustrate supported by Beer’s Viable System Model and four vignettes the relevance of self-organisation, recursive structures, self-reference and reflexivity in policy processes. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – First, the concepts of self-organisation, recursive structures, self-reference and reflexivity are briefly discussed to ground policy processes in good cybernetics. Then, with the support of four vignettes, the idea of good cybernetics in policy processes is illustrated. Findings – The cybernetics of policy processes is often ignored. Research limitations/implications – If the purpose of this paper were to influence policy makers it would be necessary to further the empirical base of the four vignettes and clarify desirable forums to ground the relevance of self-organisation, recursive structures, self-reference and reflexivity in policy processes. Practical implications – Beer’s recursive structures, self-reference and reflexivity have much to contribute to the betterment of policy processes and the amelioration of the unbearable social and organisational costs of many current policies. Originality/value – The application of concepts such as self-organisation, recursive structures, self-reference and reflexivity adds to the understanding of policy processes.

Guidance on applying the viable system model

Kybernetes ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 186-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Hildbrand ◽  
Shamim Bodhanya
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Research Methods ◽  
System Model ◽  
Viable System Model ◽  
Essential Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Language Needs ◽  
Viable System

Purpose – Although many cases where viable system model (VSM) was successfully applied exist, hardly any literature advises the novice VSM user regarding the accomplishment of a VSM diagnosis. The purpose of this paper is to show practitioners and researchers how to conduct a VSM diagnosis. The paper further seeks to encourage others to apply VSM and to share their experience with using VSM. Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides detailed guidelines on how to conduct a VSM diagnosis in conjunction with qualitative research methods. It outlines the data collection, analysis and presentation of results. Findings – VSM is an outstanding diagnostic tool. Qualitative research methods provide access to the essential information for the VSM diagnosis and should be used in iteration with VSM. They can enhance the VSM diagnosis by focusing on the soft aspects in the investigated system. The VSM language needs to be adapted to the specific context in which VSM is used and VSM can be applied in a participatory manner. Further research needs to explore possibilities to strengthen the handling of detected shortcomings that were revealed during the VSM diagnosis. Research limitations/implications – This paper is based on one experience with the VSM application and other VSM users might provide different insights. Originality/value – There is little practical advice in existing literature regarding the accomplishment of a VSM diagnosis. This paper addresses that gap. In addition, VSM has not been applied to a sugarcane production and supply system before.

The viable system model and its applications in higher education: an overview

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 438-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sahar Saeed Rezk ◽  
Shahinaz Gamal
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
System Model ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Viable System Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Viable Systems ◽  
Surrounding Environment ◽  
Viable System ◽  
And Control

Purpose Viable system model (VSM) is a powerful tool mainly used to describe, solve and control systems’ complex problems autonomously. It enables systems to be flexible so that they can survive by rapidly responding and adapting their behaviors to any expected or even unexpected changes in the surrounding environment. This study aims to provide a literature review of the VSM as a conceptual framework for designing viable systems, and its applications in the field of higher education (HE). Design/methodology/approach The review is based on explaining “What is organizational cybernetics?”, clarifying the principles of the VSM as a rational model for designing viable organizations, discussing its drawbacks and the extended VSM, and then presenting a literature review of VSM applications in HE based on papers mainly published from 1993 to 2017. Findings Although there are many contributions provided by applying the VSM in HE, the previous developed models used Beer’s framework with its drawbacks without referring to some important factors neglected within it which are discussed in this review. Originality/value The study presents a summary of previous research on this topic and clarifies the essential issues needed to be addressed to design viable systems. Based on the gaps identified in the literature, some issues have been emphasized to be addressed in future research.

Organizing for Lean: autonomy, recursion and cohesion

Kybernetes ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 970-983 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Sagalovsky
Keyword(s):  
System Model ◽  
Viable System Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Standard Work ◽  
Support Organizations ◽  
Lean Practices ◽  
Reporting Structure ◽  
Operational Practices ◽  
Viable System ◽  
The Right

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the organizational implications of transformative Lean Deployment initiatives, leveraging the Viable System Model to understand what is needed organizationally so these initiatives can succeed and take root. Design/methodology/approach – The paper starts by pointing out how Lean practices presuppose and demand empowered, autonomous organizational units at all levels. It then highlights how Lean manages the resulting Recursive Organization of “autonomous units within autonomous units” through powerful cohesion mechanisms addressing the negotiation of goals and resources, unit-to-unit coordination and process monitoring – with tools such as Pull, Kanban, Hoshin Kanri, A3 and the Toyota Kata, supported by operational practices such as Visual Controls, Standard Work, etc. Findings – The Viable System Model was found to provide a valuable guide for articulating the organizational underpinnings of Lean deployments, including the effective, recursive distribution of deployment responsibility and authority at all levels, the identification of the right composition and reporting structure of implementation teams, and the role to be attributed to support organizations. Originality/value – The approach provides a framework for understanding the organizational implications and possible resistance to comprehensive Lean deployments, and for appropriately including the all-important organizational dimension in order to promote the success of these deployments. It is also hoped that the paper can contribute to a more holistic, integrative understanding of what it means for an organization to embark on its Lean journey.

Seeing a case study through a cybernetic epistemological lens

Kybernetes ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 40 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 1273-1296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raul Espejo
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
System Model ◽  
Change Processes ◽  
Viable System Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Viable System ◽  
Successful Production

PurposeThis paper aims to contribute to the understanding of the knowledge that Beer's viable system model helps when applied to the study of change processes in organisations.Design/methodology/approachThis paper develops a case study constructed on interviews and shared reflections by the author and a key player in the company. Aspects of the case study are then seen with an epistemological lens.FindingsWhile it is apparent that ideas, purposes, values or policies depend on resources to happen, this paper argues that it is necessary their embodying in effective relations to succeed creating and producing desirable meanings.Research limitations/implicationsSome forms of embodiment are more effective than others. The viable system model offers embodiment criteria to increase the chances of a successful production of ideas, purposes, values and policies, and the case study shows that for this purpose a limitation is transforming long‐established relationships.Originality/valueThis paper uses a particular and unique situation to illustrate through the viable system model some of the general difficulties that organisations face in achieving desirable transformations.

scholarly journals The viable system model as a framework to guide organisational adaptive response in times of instability and change

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 289-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Pablo Cardoso Castro
Keyword(s):  
Adaptive Response ◽  
Thought Experiment ◽  
System Model ◽  
Recursive Structure ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Viable System Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
Viable System

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the convenience of the Viable System Model (VSM) as a framework to guide organisational adaptive response and resilience in times of instability and change.Design/methodology/approachA thought experiment based on the case study of an eco-village where a project based on action research was conducted following the introduction of the VSM.FindingsThis paper provides evidence of the efficacy of the VSM and its recursive structure to facilitate resilience and organisational adaptation and provides evidence of its advantages over conventional management tools to deal with uncertainty in complex environments.Research limitations/implicationsBased on a case study, the scope of this paper is limited and context specific. The comparison of tools is also limited to the ones related to the allocation of resources aiming to provide resilience, viability and adaptive response to critical events, used by the observed community.Practical implicationsThe case study invites to revisit and discuss the fitness of conventionally used management tools to cope with complexity – from an organisational perspective.Originality/valueThis paper invites to a reflection on the nature of dominant management tools used in contemporary management to cope with complexity. This paper provides insights on the value of organisational cybernetics and its capability to guide organisations in times of instability and change while facilitating resilience and adaptation through the management of variety.

Researches status and trends of management cybernetics and viable system model

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 1011-1044 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin Vahidi ◽  
Alireza Aliahmadi ◽  
Ebrahim Teimoury
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Service Industry ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
System Model ◽  
System Control ◽  
Viable System Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Viable System

Purpose This paper reviews the underpinning principles and scientific trends of cybernetics and the viable system model (VSM). Therefore, this paper aims to guide authors and managers active in management cybernetics and to inform them about the past, current and future trends in this discipline. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts both qualitative and quantitative methods. First, a descriptive and qualitative approach is used to review and analyze management cybernetics historical trends. Then, a frequency analysis (quantitative) is conducted on the 1,000 first publications in the field. Findings The cybernetics was emerged in the Josiah Macy conference in 1946. Then, Wiener introduced the field of cybernetics and Ashby, Von Foerster and McCulloch developed this concept as a discipline. The Management cybernetics field that was introduced by Beer is a combination of system, control and management sciences. Beer presented VSM as an operational model in this area. Analyzing the 1,000 top-ranked publications shows that the introduction of this field reached maturity and further development became relatively mature. Moreover, based on the analyzed trends, VSM model application can now be strongly attractive. In this paper, the main journals, authors and research trends are analyzed. The main application area of this model is in the IT field and large-scale organizations. Practical implications The present paper’s implication for practitioners and researchers is guiding authors and managers to most appropriate studies in the field, so that they can produce and use the most efficient studies in this field. Social implications The fields of IT, Policy-Making, Production, Social Issues, Service industry, Software developers, etc., are some of this paper’s implications for industry and society. Originality/value In this paper, the steps of VSM development are investigated. Then, recent trends (classifications, authors, journals and topics analysis) are surveyed by analyzing the top 1,000 publications in this field. This paper would help researchers find more appropriate research fields. In addition, it helps practitioners find the optimum solutions based on management cybernetics for their problems among vast numbers of publications.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document