Organizations as Social Systems
Organizations as Social Systems
Walsh College
MGT-670
Strategic Management
Table of Contents
Systems are everywhere. They are found in the physical, biological, and social worlds and they range from simple to complex. For example, there are biological systems (for example, the nervous system in the human body), mechanical systems (for example, the braking system in a car), human/mechanical systems (for example, riding a bicycle), ecological systems (for example, predator/prey) and social systems (for example, groups, supply and demand and also friendship).
What is a system?
A system is collection of components that act as a whole by consuming inputs, transforming them and producing outputs. These components are interdependent that is, a change in behavior of one component affects other components. Each component can be either a simple standalone component or a complex system on its own right thus the definition of the system can be extended to be a collection of interdependent components and/or sub-systems. System is defined by a boundary that separates the internal components of the system from the external environment. All systems can be divided into two types depending on amount of interaction between a system and its external environment. Open systems as those having continual interaction with its environment. Closed systems are those with little interaction and feedback from their environments.
Systems range from very simple to very complex. An example of the complex system is a Social system, which is composed of persons or groups of persons who interact and mutually influence each other’s behavior. Social systems consist of numerous subsystems, as well. These subsystems are arranged in hierarchies, and integrated to accomplish the overall goal of the overall system. Each subsystem has its own boundaries of sorts, and includes various inputs, processes, outputs and outcomes geared to accomplish an overall goal for the
Walsh College
MGT-670
Strategic Management
Table of Contents
Systems are everywhere. They are found in the physical, biological, and social worlds and they range from simple to complex. For example, there are biological systems (for example, the nervous system in the human body), mechanical systems (for example, the braking system in a car), human/mechanical systems (for example, riding a bicycle), ecological systems (for example, predator/prey) and social systems (for example, groups, supply and demand and also friendship).
What is a system?
A system is collection of components that act as a whole by consuming inputs, transforming them and producing outputs. These components are interdependent that is, a change in behavior of one component affects other components. Each component can be either a simple standalone component or a complex system on its own right thus the definition of the system can be extended to be a collection of interdependent components and/or sub-systems. System is defined by a boundary that separates the internal components of the system from the external environment. All systems can be divided into two types depending on amount of interaction between a system and its external environment. Open systems as those having continual interaction with its environment. Closed systems are those with little interaction and feedback from their environments.
Systems range from very simple to very complex. An example of the complex system is a Social system, which is composed of persons or groups of persons who interact and mutually influence each other’s behavior. Social systems consist of numerous subsystems, as well. These subsystems are arranged in hierarchies, and integrated to accomplish the overall goal of the overall system. Each subsystem has its own boundaries of sorts, and includes various inputs, processes, outputs and outcomes geared to accomplish an overall goal for the
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