A Framework for Comparing Systems Theories

Abstract

Collaboration and integration is the theme of President Gary Smith’s ISSS annual conference, but communication flounders when members come from different theoretical backgrounds.  The Research toward a General System Theory Special Interest Group collected the various theories as a logical first step, but comparing them in terms of their various concepts has proven difficult. An alternative framework describes a theory in terms of its worldview, scope, intent/focus, a summary, its definition of “system,” terminology, and the systems processes emphasized and described. Thirteen theoretical frameworks were compiled by either its theorist or proponent or by the author using Perplexity AI and approved by a theorist or proponent. This paper compares the scope and intent/focus of the thirteen theories and categorizes them by discipline and focus/intent. Theories are grouped into the primarily scientific, those starting from a particular systems process or processes and working out; those that combine philosophy, systems science, and practice; those that focus on application; and those that attempt to integrate. Important distinctions emerge, but more comparisons can be made using the data collected. Future work can show the way to better communication and possible integration.