Proceedings of the 50th Annual Meeting of the ISSS - 2006, Sonoma, CA, USA

Paradigm Issues in Critical Systems Thinking and Their Interpretation in Three Developmental Systemic Interventions

Doncho I Petkov — 2006-06-23

The paper reviews paradigm incommensurability and possible ways of overcoming it. One of the open problems of pluralist systemic intervention theory on which there is no uniform understanding in the literature is whether work across paradigms represents some kind of a meta paradigm or whether it belongs to a completely new paradigm itself or as a third alternative, should it be grounded within the theory of existing paradigms. Other issues that require additional investigation are their use within different paradigms from those for which they were created originally. Our understanding of those issues was informed by the developments in Critical Systems thinking in the past decade and was applied to three interventions in rural telecommunications and software development. They involved mixing of techniques from several soft systems approaches and multi-criteria decision analysis. We justified mixing of methods using the theory of the three worlds by Habermas. Our work was influenced by the Multimethodology ideas of Mingers and those on Critical Systems practice by Jackson. An integrated approach towards the resolution of paradigm incommensurability is derived from the literature. At the same time our practical experience in the three cases of concern confirmed also our theoretical findings on the feasibility of mixing methods in the same intervention and showed that it is possible to implement the interventions in a way that enables a conversation between the methods involved within the intervention and not from above. Further work is needed however to confirm our exploratory findings from applying pluralist ideas in systemic interventions.

Theory and practice of evolutionary civilization: discussion paper

John Antony Broadbent — 2006-06-23

Societal collapse has been a perennial concern of humanity, at least since the early Greeks. Recent publication of Jared Diamond’s Collapse: how societies choose to fail or succeed and Ervin Laszlo's The chaos window: the world at the crossroads renew this concern. Despite the urgency in these and many similar calls to action, no consensus theory and practice of evolutionary civilization exists. This paper calls for collaborative action by the evolutionary systems community and related disciplines to provide insight into what has been dubbed "the most important question in the world today" (Smith, 2005, 436).

Mapping Gregory Bateson's Epistemology to Nonlinear Dynamic Systems Theory: Dynamic Form and Hierarchies of Knowledge

Thomas E Malloy — 2006-06-23

Gregory Bateson construes mental process as the flow and transform of differences in a system whether the system be a single human or a complex ecology. Stuart Kauffman uses NK Boolean systems to model the self-organization of order in biological evolution. Because the Boolean base (0, 1) maps to Bateson’s idea of difference, we are able explore new implications of Bateson’s epistemology using a Boolean system. This paper will map Bateson's difference-based epistemology to nonlinear dynamic systems theory (NDS); more specifically we will use a Boolean simulation model (E42) to examine and extend his deep epistemological insight that the relations between double (multiple) descriptions generate new knowledge where, following Bateson's definition of mental process, a "description" is a specific flow of differences in a network. This connects Bateson to mathematical developments in NDS theory and makes explicit implications derived from Bateson's work. We will present perceptual demonstrations of how the relations between double descriptions generate knowledge in two very different realms: Form perception and hierarchies of knowledge. In the first realm, we will propose a perceptual model in which dynamic visual form self-organizes from the phase relations between two such descriptions. Using Java applets generated by the freely available, open-source E42 simulation software, we will demonstrate perceptually how dynamic form perception emerges from the phase relations between what can be called systemic processes (the flow of differences in the system itself) and representational processes (the flow of differences that generate perceptual experience of the system's behavior). Moreover the relations between systemic and representational processes will be of two kinds: visual forms that code fundamental characteristics of the system itself versus visual forms that arise solely from the relationship of systemic process and representational process; the latter are not map-able to any characteristics of the system per se. We will call the first kind of form "fundamental forms" and the second "derivative forms." Regarding the second realm, Bateson proposes that differences themselves differ and that categorizing the differences in differences produces a hierarchy of knowledge. We will demonstrate that taking differences in differences in the flow of differences in a Boolean system results in perceptual hierarchies in visual perception. In this second realm, the first description is defined as any flow of differences in a system while the second description is defined as the flow of differences that are generated by taking the differences in the differences in the first flow. The perceptual hierarchies (in the context of the Boolean model) will allow us to define precisely the distinction between ideas about the evolutionary processes that generate the emergence of biological forms in evolution and ideas about the mental processes that generate the hierarchies we use to categorize those biological forms (e.g. Chordata, Aves, Corvidae, Ravens). If you have hard copy, all the links can be found by searching www.pysch.utah.edu/dynamic_systems (there is an underscore between dynamic and systems). Preview dynamic form applets at: www.psych.utah.edu/dynamic_systems/exemplar1 at: www.psych.utah.edu/dynamic_systems/exemplar2 and at: www.psych.utah.edu/dynamic_systems/exemplar3 Certain browsers in combination with certain operating systems require a Java plugin. (Click here to Get Java plugin or go to http://java.com/en/)

Evolving Science & Humanity: Humanity As A Relational Ground

Ayten Aydin — 2006-06-23

The objective of this paper is to reflect on and search for answers to questions of how to: • understand and cope with ever-growing and spreading worrisome world issues and problems; • activate the human wisdom and its inherent ability for seeing the latent solutions and opportunities through the clouds of increasing complexities in all life matters, as effective internal healing tools so as to help place both scientific and human evolution on their closely collaborating right tracts. In a nutshell, achieving a balance in all life-matters may reveal the looked for answers to above-cited questions. This in turn requires abilities for both analogical understanding and analytical knowing concerning both scientific and everyday life matters. Within the context of the above objectives, following general reflections on the situation, inquiries are made within the four interrelated areas listed below, which directly concern the persistently prevailing human quest in the context of the modernity. These are: • Validity of the present foundational scientific world view for the sustainability of humanity and its environment and new horizons in this vein; • Sustainability of the present rural-urban human settlements in connection with the resource availability and use and prospects for future; • Sustainability of the well-being of individuals and of societies; • Support expected from academic and communication societies in the fields of formal and informal research and education and communication as well as for their wider dissemination in order to assure a sustainable future for generations to come.

From Theory to Practice: Taking General Systems Theory from a Theoretical Concept to a Successful Business Practice

Billy Dawson — 2006-06-23

This paper will introduce a new comprehensive, scalable, and systemic business model based on Ludwig von Bertalanffy's Informal Survey of Main Levels in the Hierarchy of Systems, (pursuant to Kenneth Boulding). This new model, greatly influenced by von Bertalanffy's thoughts and observations in his seminal book, General Systems Theory, also incorporates developments in general systems theory as well as other complementary disciplines to form a cogent and dynamic new model for business organizational thinking. The development of this new model, keys into von Bertalanffy's statements that "general systems theory should further be an important regulative device in science" and that " the existence of laws of similar structures in different fields makes possible the use of models which are simple and better known, for more complicated and less manageable phenomena." This enterprise-wide model can be used both as a managerial tool and as an organizational framework. It is an "open-systems" model, which may be used for an existing business as well as for the creation of new business ventures. A general overview of the model's fields, functions, and relationships are provided. This research seeks to further bridge the gap between scientific thought and operational practice for the development and continuance of more natural and organic organizations. Recommendations for the use of this model and implications of its application are also explained.

Product design as a key to a business system perspective that promotes sustainable forestry

Reine Karlsson — 2006-06-23

A sustainable business system should uphold a core value linkage between customer interests and business operations and their foundation in natural and human resource values. However, in many industrial economies, companies in the established business systems, all too frequently seek to obtain the natural and human resources at lowest short-term costs while paying little or no attention to the long-term sustainability of the natural and human systems upon which their sustainable livelihood is dependent. This paper presents an innovation approach with the objective to create higher market value for hard-wood products and to increase system effectiveness by helping to enhance the multiple uses of forests. One objective is to use the entire eco-system and product design as essential elements to bring more resources into the forestry-based business system. This should serve as a strong catalyst to build greater motivation for sustainable management of the entire system. The resources are used to support development of sustainable, diverse-species forests and local, regional and global businesses, and thus, help to develop an improved, sustainable forest system as an integral component of more sustainable regional development. One part of the innovation system advancement is opportunity based learning in collaboration with entrepreneurial business developments. The innovation system is designed to increase the supply chain efficiency and effectiveness and to promote business development of new forest-based products and services with higher added value. The mutual involvement of landowners, municipalities, enterprises and customers is needed to assure sustainability on social, biodiversity and business levels. The value enhancement has a basis in creation of company images and a market perception that more clearly highlights the valuable feeling of being in contact with the treasures of nature. One tool to highlight the interconnections is storytelling. The innovation system has a foundation of expertise in established forest-based businesses. The present development phase is designed to support transformative innovations through promotion of further development of the forest-based business system to produce higher added value and to enable a more sustainable forestry and thus a more sustainable society.

Corporate Change and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Kuang-cheng Wang — 2006-06-22

This paper attempts to examine the role of business functions in the corporate change in light of the traditional Chinese medicine and provide a unique view that the corporate change hinges on the timely termination of the old business model. The five elements theory has been successfully applied to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). If organizations are considered as human bodies, what could be learned from their organic reactions to the change in the environment from the perspective of TCM? There are three organs－the liver, spleen, and lung－bearing a close relationship to the body’s reaction to the external change. The functions of the liver, spleen and lung could be understood as those of the research and development (R&D), operations, and accounting/financial functions respectively. The Nei-Jing says, “The liver is the foundation of terminating extremes.” The extremes characterize the critical points of the occurrence of the fundamental changes in the human body. As extremes and disharmonies occur during the interplay of the natural elements, plagues and disease arise to cause suffering in people. The dramatic change in the weather always necessitates a fundamental change in the human body. What is the organ that can monitor and control the critical points in time to prevent the effects of imbalance from the macrocosm upon human beings? It is the liver that is responsible for detecting and making adjustment to dramatic environmental changes. Likewise, the R&D function is expected to assume the role of a terminator of the extremes and a matchmaker between the innovation and marketing function when a firm is confronted with serious threats. The terminator focuses on how to stop in time the obsolete business plans and actions while the matchmaker is responsible for reconstructing market boundaries through differentiations in marketing related areas or activities. Nevertheless, the R&D function cannot perform these two tasks well without its cooperation with the other two functions related to the corporate change: operations and accounting/financial functions. The operations function should be responsible for screening out useful the practice or knowledge for the next innovation. On the other hand, the accounting/financial function could contribute to the evaluation of the cost and benefit of the plans and execution concerning the planned change.

What do innovative leaders have in common with ancient myths? A view of the archetypal hero within the modern manager

Filippina Risopoulos — 2006-06-23

This contribution explores what modern managers have in common with heroes in ancient myths. Myths and religions have always tried to explain truths by means of symbols to some degree. It is the purpose of this contribution to uncover some of the truths behind the figures in ancient myths by investigating some examples and letting the old meaning become apparent by itself. Innovative leaders need to gain certain competences for several management fields and they have to be flexible in their thinking and acting. One function of a leader is to help the organization define and achieve its purposes. This means formulating strategies, visions, and challenges. Another function of a strong leader is to embody the spirit of the community and help hold it together. Once it is apparent that the differences between ancient myths and today’s myths are much smaller than is popularly supposed, this paper may contribute to those currently working for unification in the sense of human mutual understanding.

Which “Language” need Organizations for a better Conversational Interaction? A Systemic View on applied every day Business Language

Filippina Risopoulos — 2006-06-23

There is a tendency to take the human verbal communication within an organization for granted, and to underestimate its effects on many levels. This contribution addresses the question of which interactive human language is suitable for complex business systems such as innovative organizations. To be innovative - briefly speaking - means to be in a permanent state of change and problem solving. Very often it is not so much a question of the causal principle, if – then (e.g. if we introduce a new machine, then we will make more profit), it is more a matter of how everything is connected, or rather, how everything fits together (e.g. how can persons in middle management transfer new ideas from top management to product developers? What language do they use to make themselves and others understandable and vice versa? What can be done to consider the wishes of employees by the leadership). In most organizations there are traditionally “top down instructions” (e.g. from top manager to employees) either verbal or through medium such as written documents, e-mails, instant messaging and others. Very often there is a block in the flow of information and people often do not know about higher objectives and what they are really working for. This leads to a lack of identification and motivation with one’s work and subsequently with the whole organization. Behind those “top down instructions” one can find willingness, unwillingness, appreciation, refusal and so on. In this contribution some suggestions will be made for a better “understanding” between people within a company. A special focus thereby lies on the use of human verbal language.

Organizational Creativity as a Prerequisite for the Generation of Innovation

Gerald Steiner — 2006-06-23

The creative performance capability within organizations depends on a comprehensive set of influencing factors such as personality traits and also – and this is the main focus of this paper – the design of the problem-solving process and the prevailing innovative climate. Furthermore, the question must be asked how to support the creation of ideas at an individual, organizational, and inter-organizational level in general. Here, the ability to generate ideas strongly depends on the creative capabilities of the involved entities. In order to organize this complex system of creatively generating ideas, the “Planetary Model” is introduced. Different to most other models used for explaining creative processes, this model takes into account the dynamic interaction of such systems. Therefore, the understanding of the complex real-life process of creative problem-solving can better be understood. By combining this model with the various single stages of a sequential innovation process that can easily be translated into specific working steps, the project related performance can be improved by simultaneously providing for positive organizational effects in the long run, probably also leading to sustainable innovation.

Innovation as a Two-sided Coin with Special Consideration of Analogies

Gerald Steiner — 2006-06-23

Innovation is not only fruitful, it can also be harmful and might even cause serious damage within the organization or within its environment. Based on a systems thinking perspective it is therefore the main objective within this paper to have a look at the often overlooked – and at first glance negative - side effects, and their interaction with the fruitful effects of an innovation-orientated organization. Or to put it differently, the objective is to provide a holistic perspective of innovation from a systems thinking point of view. The origin and underlying mechanisms are of core interest. Further, inappropriate application of the analogy-based generation of innovation and potential counteractions is discussed. Similar to Fritjof Capra’s thoughts on a dynamic balance between Yin and Yang, various different effects on innovation and creativity have to be taken into account. The second part of this paper discusses a specific example of a potential fruitful outcome along with a simultaneously potential harmful outcome and,the application of analogy-based learning for technical and socio-economic development with special regard to Darwin’s concept of natural evolution.

Unlearning/Learning Organizations – The Role of Mindset

John Pourdehnad — 2006-06-23

Most learning by adults and organizations occurs when something new replaces in the mind that which was previously thought to be known, that is, unlearning. Unlearning must frequently precede or at least occur simultaneously with learning. Nevertheless, the literature on organizational learning has virtually ignored the unlearning process until recently when few authors have given it some attention. Research in the field of organizational learning and knowledge management shows that learning and adaptation takes place much more easily within the prevailing mindset (view of the world) than outside of it. Unlearning is a challenge because the human tendency to preserve a particular view of the world is very strong and the change to a new paradigm not only requires an ultimate act of learning but also of unlearning. Our assumptions about the nature of reality can impose the most severe restrictions on our ability to learn. Unlearning these assumptions requires raising them to consciousness and this can occur only when we confront the dilemmas that they create. Therefore, raising our worldview to consciousness is among the most important things we can do to enhance our learning and unlearning. The intention of this paper is to demonstrate that it is possible to design systems that not only facilitate learning and unlearning within the prevailing worldview but it can generate questions about the adequacy of the assumptions that make up that concept of reality.

Walking the Line: Making ane Dissolving Distinctions with the Viable System Model and Team Syntegrity

Allenna Leonard — 2006-06-23

The job of an organization, or an organism for that matter, is to manage its interactions so as to meet the challenges thrown up by the complexity of its environment. This requires that knowledge be obtained about itself and its environments now and in the foreseeable future. One of the most profound questions that must be addressed is whether the distinctions and assumptions that served well in the past will continue to do so. Beer’s Viable System Model is an effective tool to clarify distinctions and assumptions. It examines the five management functions that support productive operations, the seven vertical communications channels they use and monitor, the balance between these channels and the horizontal ones linking it to the present and future environment and the balance between its present and future emphasis. Once these distinctions have been surfaced, the Team Syntegrity process may be used to bring in additional stakeholders and information and dissolve them. Starting with a broad opening question, participants are invited to aim high and wide and introduce any factor they think might be important. If the mix of participants is diverse, new light can be shed on almost every distinction and assumption made in the context of the VSM exercise. Some may be confirmed, others abandoned and still others modified to take into account different perspectives on constraints and success criteria. These may be remapped onto a new VSM with different homeostats defined and different feedback loops designed to monitor them. Although the default profile of ‘the organization’ is a profit-making corporation, this path could be beneficial as well to governments, cooperatives and non-profits who are likely to have a broader range of stakeholders, who may include opposing parties, and multiple success criteria.

Is Lean Necessarily Green?

Kumar Venkat — 2006-06-23

This paper investigates the environmental performance of lean supply chains using carbon dioxide emissions as the key performance indicator. Lean is based on the premise that compressing time reveals hidden quality problems and that their resolution leads to more efficient, cost-effective business processes. If time compression always implies lower emissions, then a leaner system is always greener as measured by emissions. If time compression does not always lead to lower emissions, then further changes to the lean system may be required in order to make it greener. We use a simulation model of a generic supply chain as well as two representative examples of supply chains to examine this. Our analysis shows that supply chain emissions are highly sensitive to the frequency and mode of delivery of goods as well as the type and amount of inventory stored at each company. Our results suggest that lean supply chains are not necessarily green, although they could turn out to be green in certain cases. The main impediment appears to be distance. While lean supply chains typically have lower emissions due to reduced inventory levels, the frequent replenishment at every point in the provision stream generally tends to increase the emissions. If a lean supply chain is located entirely within a small region, then it would almost certainly be green from an emissions perspective due to the low levels of inventory and short shipping distances. As distances increase along the supply chain, it is quite possible for lean and green to be in conflict, leading to tradeoffs as well as additional opportunities for optimization.

Obstacles to Consciousness in Corporations

Pamela Buckle — 2006-06-23

Managers draw on many information sources to aid in corporate decision making. One source of information usually overlooked is the unintended, self-organized patterning of behaviour that spontaneously emerges in complex human systems. Typically, managers ignore or misinterpret the unexpected behaviours and paradoxical occurrences that emerge, often repeatedly, in every workplace. However, such behaviours and occurrences reflect a dimension of unintended coherence – of self-organized patterning – within a corporation. Such coherence offers rich insights about previously unrecognized corporate goals, fears, weaknesses, and strengths. When managers fail to discern self-organized patterns in unintended organizational behaviour, such patterns fail to yield the wisdom they otherwise could. In order for managers to make use of this rich information source, they must possess skills in self-organized pattern identification and analysis. Drawing from a grounded theory study of managerial pattern identification and analysis, this article examines forms of evidence of self-organized dynamics that can help people begin to become conscious of these dynamics in the workplace. I also examine obstacles to consciousness of self-organized patterns, that result in managers ignoring or misinterpreting these patterns. Failing to accurately discern unintended organizational coherence yields unfortunate consequences for corporations. Among them is a fracturing of the systemic relatedness possible between managers and the organizations in which they work. As long as managers fail to understand the language of systemic self-organization, they cannot relate effectively with the organizations in their care. By contrast, learning to discern the unintended coherence that emerges in organizations allows managers to engage in more effective relationships with organizations as the complex entities they are.

Counter-Intuitive Managerial Interventions in Complex Systems

Kambiz Maani — 2006-06-23

Research, as well as decades of working with managers across diverse cultures, nationalities, and industries, has revealed consistent patterns of counter productive decision making in complex systems. In this regard, managers appear to exhibit an unmistakable tendency to “over intervene” in the systems (companies, organizations, communities, etc) for which they are responsible hence generating unnecessary fluctuations and instability in their organizations. Maani, et al (2004), and Sterman, et al (1989; 2000) have studied these phenomena in experimental and simulated environments respectively. Anecdotal evidence, as well as research results, highlights a number of mental models and assumptions commonly held by managers. These are outlined below: 1. Dramatic change should lead to dramatic (positive) results. Our research shows that often the opposite happens. 2. The more change initiatives (interventions), the better the results. Again our research shows that “over-intervention” is counter-productive. 3. Managers often ignore “soft” variables (eg, morale, stress, burnout, loyalty, etc) to the detriment of their organizations. Yet, “soft” variables are powerful lead indicators of performance. 4. Managers are often oblivious to “systems delays”. Lack of awareness/attention to delay undermines performance and inhibits system stability. 5. Organizations and managers often judge performance by short-term results. Experience shows that expectation of short-term results is unrealistic and misleading and can lead to counteracting outcomes as performance often declines before it improves. 6. Organizations and managers tend to use too many performance measures (ie, KPIs). Since "what gets measured gets done", excessive and misguided measures can lead to poor results and unexpected consequences. 7. It is not enough to know what actions need to be done. Order and timing of actions are as important as the actions themselves. The propositions outlined above collectively form the research questions posed in this paper: “Why managerial interventions in complex organizations often produce counterintuitive failures?” In this research, empirical evidence using realistic simulation models of organizations (microworlds) provides supports and sheds light on the above propositions. The results confirm findings from recent longitudinal case studies of organizations by Collins (2001). Research subjects comprise MBA and graduate business students and practicing managers. The paper deals with systems thinking theory and complex decision-making and their implications for transforming managers and organizations towards sustainable performance.

A new idea on enterprise development strategy research based on systemic metaphors and its application

Jianmei Yang — 2006-09-05

In late last year the Post Office of Guangdong (GD) province (China) needed to make a new enterprise development strategy because of the intense competition situation in the post market. On the basis of systemic metaphors，we first present a new idea for the research on enterprise strategies, i.e. to choose the proper methodology of strategy research schools. In accordance with this idea, we choose the methodology of Positioning school to research the development strategy for GD Post Office. Based on this methodology, we integrate Porter's model of five competitive forces [1981] with his method of industry scenarios analysis [1985] and hence present a new framework for competition strategy research that consists of two phases: competitive situation analysis and competition strategy formation. Moreover, in the phase of competitive situation analysis we embedded M. Chen's model of competitive rivalry [1996] into Porter's model of five competitive forces to classify the competition rivals. Results of the rivals' classification are directly introduced into the industry scenarios analysis in the second phase to form the competition strategy.

Toward a Design of an Instrument for the Selection of Leadership in the Management Levels

Ricardo Tejeida Padilla — 2006-06-25

The competitive world in which we live, demands to have competitive organizations that adapt to the rhythm of the changes in both, national and international levels. Due to it, is required to have highly prepared leaders mainly in the directive and managerial levels, because they are the ones who should head the administrative processes of the company. Largely, the success of organizations depends on having directive elements with leadership abilities. Therefore the management function of human resources, by means of the personal selection process, should choose the suitable candidates, to occupy executive positions. Considering there are scarce tests validated for our population in México, it is identified the necessity of designing a test to measure the main features that an executive should have in relation to the requirements of the position to be filled.

SYSTEMIC ANALYSIS OF THE PROBLEM SITUATION OF THE HYDRAULIC SERVICE OF MEXICO CITY

Isaias José Badillo — 2006-06-25

SYSTEMIC ANALYSIS OF THE PROBLEM SITUATION OF THE HYDRAULIC SERVICE OF MEXICO CITY Orduñez E, Badillo I.*, Avalos E *IPN,ESIME-Z SEPI, Ave. IPN, Col. Lindavista, C.P. 07738, México City,D.F., México ibadillop@ipn.mx IPN,ESIME-Z SEPI, Ave. IPN, Col. Lindavista, C.P. 07738, México City,D.F., México eavalosv@ipn.mx Abstract Practically, since its foundation, Mexico City has had serious problems with the supply of water for its residents, problems such as the lack of near and abundant sources of water and the lack of a culture of water. In this work the problem situation of the water supply to Mexico City is treated from a holistic perspective, by identifying and analyzing the most meaningful problems, which highly impact to the quality of the water service. Firstly, some of the main characteristics of the hydraulic system are exposed, so that anyone might have an idea of the origin of the current problems and the difficulty to arrive at real solutions. Then, the most relevant problems are identified and shown in two categories, the first category includes the most outstanding problems. Later on the first category problems are described in a certain extent in order to carry out an analysis of them. Some alternatives of solution are suggested for these problems. Key words: hydraulic system, Mexico City

How to critique an Australian Community Managed Food Distribution System, Food Connect

Nina Anne Stephens — 2006-06-28

Food Connect (FC) is a food distribution company operating in Brisbane, Australia. Within the contemporary business paradigm it might be described as a company that is growing, to make a profit, receiving, packaging and distributing organic and eco-efficient food products to Brisbane's suburban homes. However, FC has brought together, through deliberate relationship, two significant and large systems; primary producer networks, and consumer networks. FC generates social and economic benefits into each system. The involved communities have identified a range of values, principles and concepts that inform the structures and decision making across many scales of practice. These enable a community owned and managed business structure to meet social, environmental , economic, education, health and wellbeing goals for individuals, households, farming systems, the environment and our localised economies. Quality of food, reliability of supply, value of supplied food and opportunity for enhanced social and community relationships are all benefits derived by consumer groups, while producer groups gain reliability and predictability of income, enjoy enhanced and direct feedback from discerning consumers and participate in local and extended communities. It is spiritual, practical, ethical and profitable. FC's existence can be understood as a set of political aims about the relationships between urban communities and primary producers; the treatment of animals and the environment; workplace relations; and the spiritual and ideological importance of clean, nutritious, quality food produce at accessible and equitable prices. However a threat to the achievement of these aims is patriarchy and associated positivist behavioural and social science ideologies, despite FC's development based on systems thinking. Defined gender role stereotyping, sexist assumptions and oppression of women in the workplace, prevail in all sectors of Australian culture and society. If reflective and purposeful processes to value and encourage the effective and safe participation of women is not fostered throughout FC's systems, FC is not likely to achieve its potential. Eco-feminist goals suggest that it is imperative for local communities to harness and engage the responsiveness and energy of women to ensure social and ecological diversities survive. A merging of systems theory and non-assumptive, eco-feminist critique of the patterns and contexts, will reveal the prevalence of patriarchy which may be undermining FC's systems, and make suggestions as to how FC can use the knowledge generated from the evaluation. Feminist engagement in FC's continued evolution ought create future actions aligned with democratic, participatory and communitarian principles. This is a practical, real world example of systems and feminist theories grounding action in and for community wellbeing. Our experience has shown that a deliberate (eco)systems based process do not negate gendered structures and practices.

Limits to Democracy: Constraints on Systems Approaches to Organizational Change

Roberta Snow — 2018-01-22

Both systems theory and systems practice address organizational design and transformation from a participative, hence democratic, perspective. The work of Ackoff, Beer, Churchman, Emery, and Checkland is predicated on the notion that stakeholder participation is necessary for meaningful and effective change. The greater the level of stakeholder involvement, the more complete the information brought to the change process. This leads to better decisions about the system’s future as well as a greater understanding of and commitment to the change. Many of the organization design methods developed from the systems perspective are designed to create a forum for systemwide participation. Ackoff’s interactive planning methodology and Emery’s search conferences provide examples. The goal is to engineer the organization change process so that there is the greatest possible involvement on the part of members of the system. A critical question remains unanswered within these schools of thought. Is there a point at which democratic processes become dysfunctional in the design processes of social systems? This paper argues that there are three conditions for effective democratic organizational design: 1. That the power relations are understood and the process is free of coercion. 2. That the members of the system are informed participants and have more than a superficial knowledge of the system. 3. That the members of the system have loyalty to the system beyond their involvement in the design process. These three elements—power, knowledge and loyalty—are viewed as three constraining variables that limit the efficacy of democratic systems design processes. Examples from actual systems interventions in industry, government, and not-for-profit organizations are used in the paper to illustrate how the absence of any one of the three can impede both the process and the implementation of systems change. Methods for working within these constraints are also discussed. These include methods for understanding and assessing sources of power and legitimacy within the organization, developing a uniform understanding of the system among participants, and understanding the nature of individual commitment and tenure within an organization. Finally, the role of the systems thinker as interventionist is discussed. The ideological bias towards participative democracy is discussed and clarified. The conclusion is that the systems thinker must reaffirm his role as social scientist as well as interventionist to first develop sound assessments of the systems in which he is attempting to facilitate change.

From Knowledge Cybernetics to Feng Shui

Maurice Isaac Yolles — 2006-06-26

Integral transformation of organizational systems

Ignacio E. Peon — 2006-06-26

In the chaotic environment of economic globalization, a very common situation is the collapse of organizational systems (of different types), in particular in small and fragile organizations. There are few systemic studies on the collapsing process of organizations, caused by internal and external conditions. The collapse of organizations calls for a radical transformation process. Sometimes, it may be possible a resurgence of the organization under a more complex form, with emergent properties. It is a life-death-resurgence process. This article, is a reflection on the life cycle of organizations and beyond each life cycle, as a radical evolutionary process towards a higher degree of complexity and consciousness, or complexification, and conscientization in social organizations under turbulent and uncertain conditions.

Contemporary agri-ecological systems and their contribution to community resilience: reconnecting people and food, and people with people

Christine Anne King — 2006-06-25

Alternative agricultural systems that ecological and community resilience provide a bridge between traditional agriculture ( . broad scale mono-cropping rotations) and natural resource management ( . maintaining pristine environments). These can be referred to as -ecological systems and include systems such as Organic Agriculture, , Community Supported Agriculture (CSA’s), , Farmers Markets and Community Gardens. Government agencies, private industries (and to some extent Universities) primarily focus on traditional agricultural systems. Where sustainability and community health issues are considered, the usual emphasis is on how these traditional systems might be adapted or managed to reduce environmental or health impacts (within the current economic and production paradigm). Communities however, are taking the lead in developing -ecological systems that address today’s environmental and social justice imperatives. These approaches often require more systemic change, as well as a shift from an economic paradigm to an ecological one. emphasise eg eg agri Biodynamics Permaculture agri This paper reports on current research by the author to explore a range of alternative approaches to agriculture and how they contribute to more resilient agri-ecological systems and communities. For example, resiliency can be seen as a systems ability to adapt and respond to external impacts on a system, and farmers markets show resiliency to sudden market changes (such as price or consumer preferences toward organics, through direct sale and the involvement of a range of consumers and producers offering a broad range of organic produce). More specifically, this paper reviews these alternative approaches to agriculture in relation to key concepts from ecological systems thinking, such as ecological resilience, biodiversity and holism. In addition, the paper explores how these systems contribute to more sustainable and resilient communities, through community development processes such as relationship building, genuine participation, inclusiveness, resource mobilization and creating space for knowledge sharing. The paper concludes comparing ecological systems models to alternative agri-ecological systems, and suggests how ecological systems theories and concepts might contribute to thinking about the future of community-based agro-ecological resilience.

Organisational Fitness: from the Viable Systems Model to Organisational Patterning

Maurice Isaac Yolles — 2006-06-25

Stafford Beer created the first, and until recently, the only approach able to explore organisational fitness using his Viable System Model (VSM). More recently, however, a new approach that comes out of a related stream of theory has also appeared called Organisational Patterning (OP) which is able to complement the use of VSM. The primary distinction between the two approaches is that the VSM is qualitative exploring structural faults, while OP is concerned with exploring the coherence and pathologies of an organisation and is quantitative in nature. The case application for OP being adopted is the banking sector in China. Major problems have arisen for China’s state-owned commercial banks since the country has joined the World Trade Organisation. To be able to respond fully they first need to be able to determine their degree of coherence and the nature of their pathologies. Such ill-conditions will influence the ability of the banks to change. The approach adopted in developing OP comes from a relatively new Viable Systems paradigm called knowledge cybernetcis.

From Knowledge Cybernetics to Feng Shui

Maurice Isaac Yolles — 2006-06-25

Feng Shui is a Chinese Taoist methodology that explores the harmony and balance of landscapes, and there is no equivalent to it in the West. Its metaphors are quite impenetrable for scientists, and this paper attempts to explore the principles of Taoism within the context of the science of cybernetics, and in particular knowledge cybernetics. The synergy that develops enables the metaphors of Tao to be expressed in terms that may be understood through Western metaphors.

Sustainability Planning and its Role in Creating Capacity for Learning: a Complex Adaptive System Perspective

Csaba Pusztai — 2006-06-25

Collaborative sustainability planning is seen as an effective tool in translating the concept of sustainable development into practice at the level of communities. It is widely endorsed by international organizations under headlines such as Local Agenda 21, Healthy Cities, Green Cities etc. The guidelines for such planning initiatives commonly emphasize a necessary long-term, systems perspective in problem definitions and suggested solutions. Although they build on traditional strategic management concepts, such planning processes are claimed to have their strength in using input from a diversity of local actors including both public and private sector representatives. Bringing together stakeholders, bridging their perspectives and networking their efforts are believed to provide the basis for the successful implementation of local sustainability strategies. Most assessment approaches of such sustainability planning initiatives, however, usually focus on the output of these processes such as plans and formal strategies. While the role of change in attitudes, values and patterns of behavior is understood as a crucial element in progressing toward a more sustainable local community, such changes are implicitly assumed to take place as a result of the collaborative planning effort and are not directly assessed. In my paper, I will argue that accounting for these tacit aspects could build on the notion of learning and the collection of actors involved in planning can be analyzed as a complex adaptive system (CAS). Using CAS as a theoretical framework can contribute to the assessment of the change in the interactions among actors and their behavior, knowledge generation and how these enhance the emergence of capacities necessary to cope with the 'wicked' problem of sustainability at the community level. The paper represents preliminary theoretical work for an empirical research project forming the background of my doctoral dissertation

Applying Systems to Capacity-Building in Participatory, Ecologically Informed Planning

Joanne Tippett — 2006-06-25

Environmental legislation such as the European Union Water Framework Directive calls for more effective stakeholder and public participation in planning. Achieving the ambitious objectives of such legislation will require changes in behavior from a wide range of people. This adds impetus to call for more effective participation in planning, as people’s motivation to change is linked to their understanding. Recent policy reviews have identified a lack of skilled practitioners able to engage stakeholders in such planning as a major barrier to sustainable development in the UK. Developing effective training in facilitation and a supporting learning resource would help address this lack. This research in the NorthWest of England aims to develop a participatory process for ecological planning, which is based on a systems thinking framework, into a transferable methodology available to a range of practitioners. This will be approached through action research in 2006, and is supported by the Environment Agency and Manchester City Council. A literature review will examine best practices. The researchers will work with trainee facilitators to engage stakeholder and community participation in planning projects. Training techniques, to enable the facilitators to learn how best to use the process, will be developed and evaluated. Sources of data will include: • In-depth, semi-structured ‘before and after’ interviews with trainee facilitators; • Analysis of data collected during the action research from participant observation; and • In-depth workshops with stakeholders to test and develop the training approaches. The application of systems thinking principles to capacity building in participatory, ecological design will be explored in this research. In this paper a conceptual model based on systems thinking principles is developed for analysis of results from the ongoing empirical research. This builds on work to explore the teaching of ecological principles in design education, the development of living systems thinking in relationship to ecological design and eco-literacy, and recent applications of complexity theory principles to learning and innovation in organizations. This conceptual framework is developed within the contexts of shifts of the roles of practitioners in spatial planning.

Mexican Voter Network as a Dynamic Complex System

Oswaldo Morales — 2006-06-25

One of the most important properties in the systems is complexity. When a great level of complexity exists in a system, it is considered as a complex system. The complex systems can be soft systems and hard systems. In hard systems when their elements are interrelated in a non-linear way, they are considered as complex systems, that is to say, complex systems are those that contain a great number of elements interacting in a non-linear way. To try to understand the behavior of this type of systems diverse mathematical tools have been developed. A new scientific discipline with great impact in the analysis of the complex systems has been developed in recent years; we refer to the fractal analysis. Voting data from Mexican federal deputy elections are analyzed and considered as a response function of a social system with underlying dynamics leading to complex behavior. It was found that voting distributions among candidates, as well as political parties behave as a fat-tail Levy stable distribution, associated with fractal structure of electoral network. Specifically, it is shown that the distribution of voter preferences follows the shifted Pareto distribution with scaling exponent α which shows only a few variations from state to state and it is essentially the same for all federal elections from 1991 to 2003. Furthermore, it is shown that Mexican voter network can be modeled by hierarchical pseudo-fractal network characterized by two different fractal dimensions. The identified hierarchical architecture of voter network offers a new perspective on the analysis, modeling and forecasting of elections.

The Effects of Family and Homemaking on the Career Development of Japanese RNs

Kyoko Kato — 2006-06-25

Family and homemaking is considered a serious obstacle in the career development of Japanese working wives. The main reason is that gender roles force homemaking upon women and the long working hours expected of men prevents husbands from taking part in affairs of the home. The method of this study is a questionnaire administered to registered nurses (RNs), a typical profession for working women in Japan. The participants are 2,376 RNs who work for large institutional hospitals. We used multiple regression analysis of the effect the following factors have on career development: family relations, social support both professional and in private life, basic nursing education, training and development in / outside of the hospital, and mentoring. The results show that generalized self-efficacy and mentoring are major factors in terms of career development. However, satisfaction for family relations and whether or not women have support in their private lives does not have a major effect on career development even for those with children. Additionally, we discuss the relationship of gender roles and the career development of nurses.

Organizational Development, Complexity and Dynamics of Systems

Miguel Patiño Ortiz — 2006-06-25

Organizational Development, Complexity and Dynamics of Systems Miguel Patiño-Ortiz 1, Ernesto Galvez M.2, Ricardo Tejeida-Padilla 3, Julian Patiño-Ortiz4 1Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México, mpatino2002@ipn.mx 2Universidad de Sonora, México, egalvez@pitic.uson.mx 3Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México, rtejeidap@ipn.mx 4Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México, jpatinoo@ipn.mx Abstract The social, political, economic and ecological environment in which the organizations are immerse, has forced them to look for mechanisms that allow them to give agile and economic answers, in addition to show and generate flexibility and adaptation, that is to say, homeostasis. In other words, if the environment shows complexity, then the organization will respond in the same way. The Organizational Development (O.D.) and the Dynamics of Systems are tools of great importance for organizations. They allow them to adapt to the environment, to survive and to develop in it. While in the O.D. an appropriate intervention plan is created (of learning) in function of the wanted objectives of operation for the organization, the Dynamics of Systems combines the analysis and the synthesis and provides a language that allows: to express the relationships that take place in a complex system and to explain their behavior through time. Keywords: complexity, organizational development, dynamics of systems, organization, social nets, systems.

Complexity and Adaptive Policy Systems: CALFED as an Emergent Form of Governance for Sustainable Managemennt of Contested Resources

David Booher — 2006-06-25

In the 1990's, California's paralyzing conflict over the San Francisco Bay-Delta led to the creation of the CALFED process, a collaborative effort involving 25 state and federal agencies and dozens of major stakeholders that evolved to adaptively manage this massive water system. Unlike traditional governance institutions based on hierarchical command and control structures, CALFED is characterized by networks of stakeholders and agency officials who have worked together in a largely self-organizing way. This process has led to adaptation of system operations and created innovative practices such as the Environmental Water Account, which is a complex water banking system designed to deal in a real time way with environmental needs. CALFED has had significant success in improving water and ecosystem management practices. The story of CALFED reflects emergent practices of governance and illustrates the challenges that arise as collaborative self-organizing governance coexists with traditional forms. The science of complex adaptive systems provides a rich source for understanding governance models such as CALFED and their potential to improve public policy. This paper reports on some of the results of over ten years of research carried out by scholars at the Institute of Urban and Regional Development at the University of California Berkeley (www-iurd.ced.berkeley.edu) and the Center for Collaborative Policy at California State University Sacramento (www.csus.edu/ccp).

Organizational Development, Complexity and Dynamics of Systems

Miguel Patiño-Ortiz — 2006-06-25

A Sideways Look at Systems: Identifying Sub-Systemic Dimensions as a Technique for Avoiding a Hierarchical Perspective

Steve Eugene Wallis — 2006-06-23

Many observers view organizations in terms of their components. We might say, for example, that the ISSS is an organization comprised primarily of SIGs, and individuals. Such a view, however, might be considered “atomistic” or “hierarchical.” This paper suggests that such views may distract organizational theorists from developing new insights into the nature of systems. The technique developed and used in a case study for this paper is called Reflexive Dimensional Analysis (RDA). RDA uses what might be called a “reflexive” process of theory re-creation, rather than the more traditional categories that we might call priori (intuitive) and posteriori (empirical). A case study is presented where RDA is used to analyze a body of Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) theory that has been developed by scholar-practitioners. The RDA method results in a description of CAS that consists of sub-systemic and co-emergent dimensions. This method suggests the opportunity to understand organizational and systems through a new perspective.

Evolutionary Guidance Media: An Overview

Dana Klisanin — 2006-06-23

Students of history are taught that the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand sparked the beginning of World War I. Today, we might wonder if the students of tomorrow will be taught that 12 cartoons ignited World War III. The importance and power of media continues to expand exponentially, increasingly asserting itself as a critical factor in our lives. As the world continues to interconnect, the potential exists for media to impact the individual and global psyche in a manner hitherto fore unimagined. Creating a new guiding mythos that promotes psycho-spiritual growth is considered necessary to create a sustainable world. Utilizing evolutionary guidance systems design, evolutionary guidance media (EGM) has been designed both in context and content specifically for the purpose of promoting planetary consciousness. This paper provides a brief overview of EGM for the purpose of generating strategic and evolutionary conversations within the international community.

Paper: Visualization of the Organization: An Aesthetic Ecology for the City of Newark

Ade Tugbiyele Sedita — 2006-06-23

Abstract Social systems are facing a new set of challenges in the twenty-first century. People from most disciplines have described their concerns in a similar way, yet use the terminology of their discipline. These concepts include “the appearance of dilemmas,” “the boiling point” or simply “collapse.” Terms like “turbulence,” “fear of the future,” “the unknown,” and “emergence” are also common. Often times, short-term solutions are used to remedy long-term problems because they are the easiest to implement. This strategy however seems to exacerbate the problem or simply move it from one area to another. We have ventured far away from real solutions because of how we have been taught to think, as well as from limitations we put on how we communicate with each other. The foundations have been laid for systems thinking. This paper builds on them by suggesting systems research that uses aesthetics in problem solving. It is not just art itself that is advocated here but rather an expansion of what we mean by art to include all of the disciplines, and seeing art as a way of doing things. If aesthetics is another form of communication what is its structure and how can it inform the development of organizations such as cities? Herein I am concerned with the current state of the city of Newark and seek an alternative approach to planning or design. Planning methods of the last century do not work well for the Systems Age because they are based on materialism and determinism. This paper suggests that we begin to embrace ideas, and through the use of aesthetics, begin with identity formation while working towards collective transformation.

Syntegral Design: group-based creativity through aesthetic processes

Brian Woodward — 2006-06-23

An adapted version of Stafford Beer’s model of team syntegrity was combined with four Aesthetic Processes (APs) (clay/sculpting, theatre improvisation/writing, painting/drawing and cutarorial/found objects) to generate a process model of design that maximized group-based idea generation, idea sharing, and idea integration in a short period of time. This paper outlines some preliminary discoveries resulting from a three-day participatory Forum hosted by the Leadership Learning Lab at The Banff Centre in which four ‘design pods’, made up of leader developers, business managers, artists, and academics responded to a design challenge to create a new enterprise. Clay/Sculpting and Curatorial/found objects proved to be powerful methods for group-based idea generation and exploration compared to Painting/Drawing and Theatre/Writing. Participants also found this same pattern in terms of comfort with these two APs. The direct hand manipulation involved in these two APs affected how participants were able to share their ideas and to make collective sense of them. The value of using APs as an engine of design within a structured group-based approach is discussed.

Theoretical Appraisal of Sustainability Metrics and Empirical Application to an Irish City-region to Assess Current and Future Sustainability

David Anthony Browne — 2006-06-25

The purpose of this paper is to appraise a myriad of sustainability measurement methodologies, using a number of criteria, including strengths and weaknesses, data requirements, outputs and applicability at various spatial and temporal scales. The main criterion was the ability to measure and monitor sustainability of a sub-national settlement and to facilitate scenario building in order to assess the likelihood of current policy measures achieving sustainability in the selected city-region. The methods that were selected and empirically applied to the case-study, i.e. the Limerick city-region are urban metabolism, carbon and ecological footprinting and trend to target assessment. The aim of the research is to develop the optimal policy mix, which will help guide the city-region along a more sustainable trajectory and highlight trends in critical indicators and sectors, commonalities, feedback loops and leverage points in the policy-making process.

Information as Communication: The New Eco-Informatics

John J Kineman — 2006-06-25

The goal of eco-informatics is to represent natural biodiversity and ecosystem phenomena, and to communicate such information to society, for science, valuation, management, and policy. Communication is the key, for without it information does not inform. We argue that past approaches to building databases and information systems were incomplete, and thus less communicative than needed regarding ecological phenomena. Information systems until recently have been limited to data about the physical state of the environment and biological components. While this worked well for physical systems, which can be modeled mechanistically, based on observable states and the application of general mechanistic laws, living systems have entailments beyond such mechanisms. They tend to generate additional system-dependent laws, or ‘functions’ that are internal to the natural system, and correspondingly must be represented as internal to the informatics system. Robert Rosen’s theory of ‘relational complexity’ is an appropriate foundation for new thinking about the entailment structure of living systems, and how to reflect that in informatics so it may represent living systems better. We derive from Rosen’s work, specifically his ‘modeling relation,’ a working theory of natural communication that can be implemented in informatics. This approach represents nature in terms of a complementarity between states and ‘functions.’ Functions act as system attractors or potentials, inducing but not determining change. The relationship is inherently complex, and when implemented in informatics it can support exploration of complex behaviors through simulations and scenario-building. Ecological functions, the ‘missing element’ in informatics, can be represented (but not totally specified) in the informatics architecture as a generalized form of ecological ‘niche’ model. A generalized form of niche model can be integrated with the database design. Relational complexity itself describes a natural form of communication. Designing informatics in an analogous manner suggests that it too will have better communication capacities. This, we argue, will allow informatics to accomplish its goal to communicate and inform. Various traditions, most notably from the East, present a view of the world as fundamentally complex and in constant communication with itself. To have a scientific way of representing this concept will improve integration across society and with various approaches to valuation, including indigenous values and perspectives. These needs are met in the proposed relational design for eco-informatics and enterprise development. A demonstration of how niche modeling can be used to represent an ecological function (the primary productivity of India) is appended. We believe the theory and implementation described here is a promising foundation on which advanced informatics capabilities may immediately be built to address the complexities of ecosystem management and to help meet pressing societal needs.

Living in Hyperscale: Internalization as a Search for Reunification

Ron Cottam — 2006-06-25

Living organisms survive through their generation and use of internal models of themselves and of their environments. Homo sapiens internalizes the environment through modeling in such a way that it can effectively be artificially present at any number of different external locations. While this capacity is clearly advantageous for survival, it may well have yet another 'meaning'. We believe that entities internalize their environment in a local attempt to reunify the fragmented global landscape of which they are a part. This paper charts the argumentational route which must be taken to justify this hypothesis.

Is Good Algorithm for Computer Players also Good for Human Players?

Naoki Konno — 2006-06-23

This paper aims to examine effectiveness of rational strategies for rough reasoning human players. Nowadays, computer players beat human champion players in many games (ex. Chess, Reversi, etc.) Actually, since computational power of computers transcends the human players, accuracy and volume of the search ability of computer players are superior to the human champion players in the end game phase. Then, the problem is that these computer algorithms are also effective for human players? The algorithms are basically composed by backward induction that is equilibrium concept for rational players. However, human players sometimes make wrong reasoning unlike computer players. In order to investigate the problem, we first propose a rough reasoning model that describes human imperfect reasoning abilities. This model is characterized by following two assumptions. The first is that as the payoff difference decrease, reasoning accuracy tends to decrease. The second is that as length of the tree increase, reasoning accuracy tends to decrease. We then make some examples of games and play them by some kinds of rough reasoning players with various algorithms. In the real game situations, accepted theories sometimes contradict to the rational strategies. We try to reveal the validity and effectiveness of the theories.

Foundation of Subjective Confrontation Analysis

Pri Hermawan — 2006-06-23

The purpose of the paper is to introduce a foundation of subjective confrontation analysis of negotiation. Negotiation is something that we do every time and happens in every aspect of our life. The fact that in negotiation process each side can have different aims and interests often give some potential for conflict. As a foundation of subjective confrontation analysis of negotiation, we first identify negotiation as reciprocal proposals of positions and threats by two characters who are involved and share a common frame on which they negotiate. Inconsistency between the proposed positions may lead them to face dilemmas to be resolved in order to achieve agreement. Next, we formally define three types of dilemmas that might arise in such negotiation in terms of dramatic model. Then, after proposing a new theoretical framework to resolve one of those dilemmas, we will apply the concepts of dramatic model for analyzing the conflicts that arise in a river pollution case in Indonesia. Finally, we will discuss its findings and ideas for further research.

SimDrug: Exploring the Complexity of Illicit Drug Markets.

pascal perez — 2006-06-23

Worldwide, illicit drug use and markets can be described as ill-defined, complex, and adaptive systems. Authorities relentlessly try to reduce harm inflicted to individuals and society. But, so far, they struggle to find the right balance between three traditional modes of intervention: law enforcement, treatment, or prevention. In Australia, the period called "the heroin drought" (Dec200-Feb2001) provides a striking example of complex interactions between open activities and hidden forces. The features of the agent-based model, called SimDrug, include a spatial environment and social agents. The environment is an archetypal representation of an urban center. Each elementary spatial unit corresponds to a street block. Five suburbs were created with different sizes and shapes. SimDrug includes different types of social agents: users, dealers, wholesalers, police constables, and outreach workers. Each type represents a minimum set of characteristics and dynamics that allows the whole artificial population to display most of the properties observed in real societies. We have taken 1998-2002 as the reference period. In terms of validation, this time bracket gives us the opportunity to test the robustness of the model by comparing a series of micro (agent level) and macro (system level) indicators with corresponding observed data. The model must be able to consistently reproduce pre-drought, crisis, and post-drought dynamics of the system. The transdisciplinary work plays a paramount role in defining a consensual set of simplified rules for the corresponding agent to ‘behave’ realistically. SimDrug has demonstrated the plausibility of using a multi-agent system model to describe the relationships between law enforcement, treatment, and prevention programs. The model is robust and later versions should assist Policy makers to determine potential scenarios as a result of their intervention.

Group Decision Analysis (GDA)-- A Framework of Structural Rational Group Discussion --

Norimasa Kobayashi — 2006-06-22

We propose a simple formal framework to represent the structure of rational discussion, which we call Group Decision Analysis (GDA). GDA is a formalization of an integrative (win-win) negotiation (Raiffa, H. (2002) "Negotiation Analysis") that prescribes members of a group to discuss effectively. Based on GDA model, we illustrate the essential roles of a group discussion. Particularly, we argue that group objectives must be clarified at first in order to achieve an effective group discussion, which implies that a group discussion requires commitment of the members to some sort of group cooperation. We show a simple case in which there exist members that do not like to have a discussion.

Youth at Risk Groups: Are they autpoietic systems?

Alberto Montbrun — 2006-06-25

The development of systems thinking methodologies and approaches allows researchers to reach a better understanding of how complex living systems behave and evolve over time. In this paper, we suggest some conclusions related to an ongoing study of “youth at risk groups” (YRG). Youth at risk and juvenile crime have become, in the last two decades, one of the most important issues related to public safety and quality of life in Latin America’s urban areas. For us, YRG are autopoietic complex living systems, and, from our experience, this concrete approach gives a solid basis for the understanding the problem and the design of public policies to deal with it. Our approach is integral, systemic and holistic. Therefore, it stems from the very early stages of the problem –family, school, and neighbourhood– till the last consequences of its evolution: drugs consumption, crime, and the relationship of the YRG with the police, the criminal justice system and other governmental agencies. At the same time, the paper points out the efforts by the government of La Rioja to deal with the problem, trying to reduce damage, looking for “win – win” processes and prioritizing the best interest of youths, as stated in international documents and agreements. The paper overviews the experience of the last three years in the State of La Rioja, Argentina, where we have been working with systems thinking tools.

Toward the Design of an Audiovisual Room for the Cultural Tourism in México

Ricardo Tejeida — 2006-06-25

The Mexican leisure sector needs demonstration, promotion, commercialization and development tools that places it in any market segment. This can be achieved through more flexible audiovisual media such as multimedia and virtual reality. During the last years, improvements in Information and communication Technologies have brought substantial changes in the way of making business, as well as in the teaching-learning process and in the offered services, always looking for quality improvements. This article, as part of an investigation in process, proposes the design, with the help of systemic methodologies, of an audiovisual room model with new information and communication technologies. The challenge is to promote part of the prehispanic History of Mexico, in an attractive way, both for the national and the foreigner tourists, having the purpose of fulfilling the demands of the cultural tourism and increasing the competitiveness of the main prehispanic touristic attractiveness of Mexico.

REFLECTIONS ON THE EVOLUTION OF THE INTERIOR EXISTANCE

Enrique Orduñez — 2006-06-25

It seems to be a principle of the nature in which all entity tends to evolve in one way or another; this is especially true in all human being that has been endowed with abilities that allow it to successfully achieve this end. The concepts of conscious, consciousness and evolution are reviewed and, the ideas on the dualistic formation of the human being and of its capacity to increase the qualities that it possesses for its own benefit. A procedure is visualizing by means of which, all individual is getting conscientious states of more and more refinement each time. Some individuals reach high levels of consciousness up of the rest of the community of its residence. It is said they transcend. Finally, some reflections are elaborated in regarding to the way those excellent consciences might modify, or might tend to modify, the consciousness of their community.

Improvements of the water usage in the Mexico City Metropolian Area

elvira avalos — 2006-06-25

Mexico City Metropolitan Area is located at an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level, has a surface of 5000 Km2 and a population of 19.1 million whose water supply and usage represent a serious problem of sustainability and development. The efficient supply and usage of water resources is crucial for a city characterized by industrial centers , a wide range of economic activities and densely populated urban areas. In a systemic study of water sustainability , in progress at Instituto Politécnico Nacional, there were identified six sets of problem areas: 1) General issues, 2) Sources 3) Uses 4) Distribution , 5) Industry and 6) Management. In this paper it is presented a set of solutions to the second and third partial problems: how to improve the water supply and usage of water under a sustainable development of Mexico City Metropolitan Area . First of all, there are defined several relevant subsystems. relationships and specific problems. Then it is defined a structure to analyze systemically this part of the total problem and finally some solutions are proposed in the short, medium and long term , for example avoiding the unsustainable uses of ground water sources.

Early Social Innovations: Belief Systems

James Robert Simms — 2006-06-25

This paper addresses the next phase in the development of living systems science, which includes the science of society. The principles of this science have been developed. The next phase of the science is an elaboration of the social innovation determinant of the science of society. Early social innovations are belief systems. The basic phenomenon causing the need for belief systems is the increased size of the human brain since the emergence of Homo sapiens. The large brain resulted in two fundamental phenomena, the concepts of mortality and rational behaviors. The concept of mortality and the genetically determined need for survival resulted in the concept of an after life (immortality). Some early humans invented belief systems based on the concept of an afterlife. The concept of rational behavior (reason for things that happen) resulted in the belief that some thing or things cause events to occur. It is hypothesized that the mortality and rationality phenomena resulted in the innovation of belief system and the religions to implement these belief systems. These hypotheses are tested using artifact of ancient humans and recent primitive humans.

Evolutionary Processes in Living Systems

Lane Tracy — 2006-06-25

Living systems encompass both biological and social systems. The genius of living systems theory lies in finding common structures and processes at work at such diverse levels as cells, organs, organisms, groups, organizations, communities, societies, and supranational systems. Living systems theory postulates that the commonalities result from a process by which each level evolves--”frays out”--from a lower level. Evolutionary processes in biological systems are well known and thoroughly documented. In this paper I propose to examine whether the same processes operate in social systems. Evidence of evolution will be examined at the level of groups, organizations, communities, and societies. Particular attention will be paid to the means by which evolutionary changes are preserved and transmitted to future generations.

The Current Relations between Two Koreas & Matter-Energy, Information Flow

Youn-soo Sim — 2006-06-25

Recently, two Koreas try to improve relations with each other in many subsystems. That development, in the exchange of matter-energy and information in many subsystems, is expected in the long run to contribute to achieving the reunification of Korea. In this sense, it is very significant to take a close look at the subsystems that process the matter-energy and information in the current relations between South and North Korea.

Achieving the Sustainable Development through the world

hyuk kihl kwon — 2006-06-23

Achieving the Sustainable Development is an important problem for us to solve. It’s because the Sustainable Development is related to our future. As we know, so many people interested the Sustainable Development. But, the Sustainable Development is not easy to achieve. By the way, our global environment is worsened day by day. Sustainable Development is serious problem not only any country but also every country. Therefore, Sustainable Development must be achieved through the world. We need a long-term vision of sustainable development with the global development community. Actually, growing the environmental catastrophes led us got a new trial for the sustainable development. In general, the proponents of sustainable development tend to explore the sustainable development, plan the environment-friendly policies, suggest the environmental protection, and research the principles of sustainability. Also, I’d like to explain the world sustainable development system consists of several local sustainable development systems. My paper begins with a brief discussion on various forms of environmental crisis to resisting sustainable development. And, I will research how the model of sustainable development articulates the environment-development linkages in both global system and local system. The prospects for global sustainable development today are similar to a complex system. Also, it’s related with each component. I will research how many problems to be solved for achieving sustainable development through the world. The final part of the paper I want to make critical examines the major limitations of the model in dealing with the environmental question through out the world, and makes some suggestions in my way for the sustainable development. Keywords: sustainable development, achieving sustainable development, global system, local system, complex systems

Torture and Secrecy versus Democracy and Peace Development

Carl Slawski — 2006-06-23

A series of flow charts with testable hypotheses will elaborate, in potentially researchable ways, the interrelationships of the most relevant variables, both micro and macro level, that may cause a person to engage in torture (or terrorist acts) or to employ degradation tactics, or to instigate stressful or abusive interrogation tactics, designed or intended at minimum to humiliate a victim (or “chosen enemy”). The analysis should provide at least an accounting scheme for evaluating particular instances of such abuse, their motivations, causes, possible cover-up, or government sanctions, as well as eventual prevention, ending in reeducation of the perpetrator as well as the victim(s). Some of the multi-level hypotheses will be demonstrated from well-known or recent international or national news incidents as well as voluminous US government memoranda and reports (Greenberg & Dratel, 2005, The Torture Papers). Starting with Slawski’s review of terror motives and causes plus neutralization techniques (ISSS Cancun Proc., 2004), there will be a restatement in stark multi-level causal charts of the verifiable statements of Pilisuk and associates (2000 & 2005, Charts 3 & 4) with regard to the goals of multi-national corporations and their effects in the direction of providing or promoting causes and cycles of corruption, violence, including torture, terror, tyranny and war, amplified by propaganda (Charts 5-7), all in the context of resource-rich but otherwise poor nations around the world. Whether the actor is a corporation, rogue state as the warrior, or a secret intelligence investigator or interrogator, vicious cycles of disruptive social interaction will be explored, especially as they illuminate consequences like revenge, “blowback,” or negative boomerangs upon the perpetrator. Elaboration on the conference themes of democratization and global social interactional sustainability will be central (transforming lesser to greater jihad, Chart #1, then crime “neutralization” to social realization, Chart #2), the spirit of the UN Declaration of Human Rights, and The Earth Charter, negotiation and self realization (Charts 8 & 9), along with the concise axioms on global ecosophy plus conflict resolution (of Arne Naess, Norwegian philosopher, 1958 & 1986/1995, supported by reminders of Gandhian principles, in Charts 10-11). Starting from the point of view of a potential violence perpetrator, a personal, societal and cultural need ladder will be sketched (summarized in Chart #12, Ecosophy over Violence), by painting lines on the road to global ecosophical-democratization. Eventual worldwide peace development, as a way to wise social and environmental management, is the long-run goal, aided by a program of statements of hopefully attainable, constructive policy guidelines toward that end.

Structural Coupling in Engagement Diplomacy: Case Study on South Korea’s Engagement Coalition for Buying Peace

Sung Chull Kim — 2006-06-23

To solve contentious issues in international relations involves engagement and interaction with other partners rather than exclusion and containment. Engagement diplomacy needs a like-minded coalition between the state and the business sector in the domestic arena, a coalition that is apparently an essential aspect of structural coupling from the systems perspective. In the Cold War era, interstate security arrangements basically determined the economic relations among nations, whereas in times of globalization, business advances in both trade and investment frequently facilitate security cooperation. Centering on the theme of structural coupling, the paper examines the case of South Korea’s engagement policy toward North Korea after the launch of the Kim Dae-jung administration in 1998. In particular, this paper responds to the three following questions: What are the criteria by which one can rigorously appraise the effects that the structural coupling of the economy and security has had on “buying peace” in the inter-Korean case? What factors made the respective preferences and interests of the state and the business sector in South Korea converge to lead (and sustain) a domestic coalition that has underpinned the engagement policy toward North Korea? What are the requisite factors for South Korea’s persistent engagement coalition for peace?

D S V, Disasters, a Systemic Vision

Francisco J. Aceves — 2006-06-23

Disasters are occurring with continually increasing frequency and magnitude. The Tsunami of December 2004 in Indonesia caused more than 280,000 deaths and material losses surpassing 5 billion dollars. Nevertheless, disasters could be prevented and mitigated through a systemic, holistic, and integrated approach such as that presented in this article. This approach consists in analyzing the inputs, outputs and feedback of the process which occurs when a set of extraordinary natural or man-made phenomena occurs, in response to which people are generally not prepared to react quickly and efficiently enough. This paper analyzes some of the most important factors that propitiate disasters and recommends preventative and mitigating measures. Elements analyzed include: civil protection plans, programs and committees; scientific research and technological development; education, training and awareness; early warning systems; evacuation drills; urban development plans; resistant buildings and infrastructure; medical emergency services; and others.. Keywords: Disaster prevention & mitigation; systemic approach; education, training & awareness; scientific research & technological development; civil protection & citizen participation; risk maps & urban development plans.

Systemic Thinking as a Gluing Material for Solving Earth’s Nature’s Problems Due to Mankind

Magdalena A. Kalaidjieva — 2006-06-25

Boundaries and Conflict Between Social and Ecological Emergent Orders: A Left-Hayekian Perspective

Gus diZerega — 2006-06-25

This paper will describe how feedback principles define boundaries of emergent processes within human society and the natural world. As such, these processes are theoretical simplifications from the larger more complex whole, for each order exists simultaneously with all the others. By initially separating them out, we can better explore how they interact with one another. To illustrate this approach the emergent social processes of the market, liberal democracy, and science will be specified based on their feedback generating principles, each of which includes certain abstract ethical principles. They will be contrasted with biologically based feedback generating principles which generate ecosystems. The lack of fit both within social systems and between these systems and natural ecosystems helps pinpoint several current ecological and social crises: first that social emergent processes are not in harmony with one another, and sometimes undermine one another rather than existing harmoniously, and second, that these systems collectively and individually are not in harmony with natural processes, and while stronger in the short run are dependent in the long run on the well being of natural processes. Social emergent processes are characterized by ethically “thin” principles that cannot be harmonized on their own with actions required to maintain a sustainable relationship with the natural world nor a social order amenable to the full complexity of values characterizing human life. However, the more complex emergent order of civil society, and institutions rooted within it, do hold open the possibility of establishing such relations. Watershed Restoration groups and democratic land trusts will be described as examples of such ethically deep institutions. In terms of the panel, this paper specifically addresses the status. Limits and legitimacy of knowledge regarding complex systems, system based ethics, systems and the social sciences, and systems and human subjectivity.

The Hard Facts of Soft Social Systems: Towards a Theoretical and Practical Model for Schools and Other Organizations

Susan Farr Gabriele — 2006-06-25

Abstract In this essay, three hard facts of soft social systems are identified, intended to inform instructional designers and designers of organizational change efforts. The facts are gleaned out of an elaboration of Boulding’s nine-level typology of system complexity. The need for these hard facts is great, given the failure of many well-intentioned reform efforts to positively impact schools and organizations. In brief, the three facts are as follows. First, things are designable--mass, space, time, and organization goals (cf. Boulding’s levels 1-3). Second, people are not designable. A person’s behavior is determined by internally prescribed criteria (level 4: cell), generally predictable by Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs, but increasingly variable with each individual/person/ system member (e.g., employee, student, teacher, parent) because people differ (level 5: plant, genetic variety). They act according to their own immediate perceptions (level 6: animal, sensory perceptors), and their own long term reflections and choices (level 7: human, symbol processing). The third fact is: It is natural, biological, and scientific law that people will behave to meet their individual and personal needs before their social system or organization’s needs (levels 8 and 9). Level 8 systems (social) are optional; level 7 functioning is mandatory. A person can transfer schools (level 8), but cannot transfer bodies (level 7). Implications are that effective instructional and organization designers put all their attention to the designable components of a social system: space (e.g., buildings, rooms, book shelves, books and equipment), time (e.g., school and classroom routines, schedules and calendars), school and classroom goals (e.g., classroom projects, school mission statements, etc.); and ratios and flows of resources. Effective designers fashion these designable components as attractors, to attract system members. These attractors function to allow system members to meet individual/personal goals as first priority, and organization goals as second priority. Contribution to systemic change theory is a new systemic approach, referred to and named here as systemic renewal. Systemic renewal is defined here as systemic change efforts with goals of facilitating each system member to learn and grow at his or her own pace. The ISSS Morning RoundTable is a practice that corresponds to the goals of systemic renewal.

Triple Bottom Line: The Economic Systems Infrastructure for a Sustainable and Abundant Service Economy

Art Warmoth — 2006-06-25

In Search of a Systemic Model of Municipal Integration for the Touristic Sustainable Development

Ricardo Tejeida — 2006-06-25

Tourism is preponderantly an economic activity. However it is an activity that has evolved along with human kind through its relationships with society. The new touristic modality generates a tendency toward the values and the importance of the natural environment. It is also consistent with the nature, social and community values, and allows a positive relationship between residents and tourists. This new touristic tendency is regulated through a new development model that is being proposed at a world level: the Sustainable Development Model. This paper is part of a research in process in which it has been determined to use the Paradigm of Systems, having the purpose of obtaining a global vision in its development. Such research is based on models proposed in a doctoral thesis. The paper exposes the design process of a Municipal Integration Model for the sustainable development, where the possibilities of intervening elements' interrelations are studied to achieve an union among municipalities in order to promote and revitalize the tourist cycle of the region. The Orient Zone in the State of Mexico is proposed as the study target, due to its resources. However, it is intended that the pattern could be applied in diverse regions of the country that fulfill the necessary elements for its implementation.

Natural Systems: Demonstrating the Interdependencies Between Sustainability and Democracy

Dave Ewoldt — 2006-06-23

This paper will cover a practical application of systems science by using a natural systems perspective to create global sustainability--a necessity for a world of peace, justice, and democracy.

Ecology, the study of systems of relationships, and psychology, the study of how we think, feel, and act, combine to help people remember that our lives and our potential rely on an interconnected and interdependent universe.

The core principles of natural systems--mutual support and reciprocity, no waste, no greed, and increasing diversity--are exhibited in a healthy and thriving ecosystem. These principles provide the models and metaphors necessary for humans to create healthy, fulfilling, and sustainable lifestyles and social systems.

A methodology from applied ecopsychology, known as the Natural Systems Thinking Process (NSTP), provides an epistemology and personal benefits for health, empowerment, and wisdom in an interconnected and interdependent world. The NSTP thus directly translates into social and environmental benefits as well. Relocalization, the process to bring sustainability into our lifestyles and social systems, provides a practical application of systems and complexity science for steady-state economies and democracy.

Overcoming our separation from nature--reconnecting with the nature that is within and around us--deepens conscious and sensory awareness of our connection within the web of life. This reconnection is personally healing and also motivates behavior that protects the environment. The intimate and heartfelt realization that we are an intricate part of a larger system, as well as being interdependent systems ourselves, and not disconnected and independent pieces, helps us create and sustain responsible, mutually supportive attraction relationships--the self-organizing activity of life itself. Sustainability can then become a natural extension of who we are and become embedded both within what we create and the personal and political decisions we make.

These systems of relationships are the polar opposite of the ranking hierarchies of control based on fear and force which comprise the dominant paradigm today. They are decidedly non-hierarchical in any traditional sense, and more closely resemble the peer-to-peer decentralized network model most people are familiar with in the Internet today. In the social sphere, the partnership way and partnership education are practical examples of this model. The decentralization that is a core precept of bioregionalism is another example of this model, and is used in consensus based bioregional governance for democratic decision making.

Our work at Attraction Retreat does more than uncover the systemic nature of the problems that are causing the world's ills, it makes solutions available to individuals and the community that must be brought to bear in creating systemic alternatives instead of single-issue band-aids in building a just, equitable, and sustainable future.

The development of the Collective Intelligence for the Sustainability: a task of democracy and complexity

Honorato C. Teissier-Fuentes — 2006-06-23

The measurement of the development of systems and general thinking in agricultural areas of Colombia; preliminary results

Sjors Witjes — 2006-06-23

The present research started with two hypotheses: the development of an organic vegetable garden by children between 7 and 10 years old, living in agricultural areas in Colombia, develops their systems thinking, and there is a direct relationship between the development of system thinking and the level of general thinking of these children. The research has been based on the application and adjustment of an empirical methodology and its tools in an initial project in the rural town of Barichara, Colombia. It is planned to further refine this methodology and its tools by its application in other Colombian towns resulting inductively in a general application plan within Colombian rural towns in general. The final goal of the total project is to be able to decrease the social, environmental and economic problems of the people in agricultural areas in Colombia by the development of systems thinking of these communities. The research methodology and its tools of the initial project have been developed empirically using the knowledge and experience of the research group members. The tools were applied within the three research phases: before, during and after the children’s activities in the organic community garden. Before and after the activities, tools have been applied to measure the general thinking level and system thinking development of the children. During the activities, a tool has been applied to guide the children in their learning process of the garden, and to measure the development of their systems thinking. The initial project has been applied within the rural town of Barichara, Colombia and has been developed by an interdisciplinary research group, coordinated by 1 project leader. The group of children consists of 11 rural and 11 urban children, with a reference group of 22 (11 urban and 11 rural) children. The organic community garden has been developed conceptually by the research group and physically (before the activities of the children) by local experts in organic gardens all coordinated by the project leader. During the activities, an expert in social projects with the children of the community has been accompanying the project leader with the guidance of the children with their activities.

Structural design for sustainability: Cybernetic Theory and Practice

Angela Espinosa — 2006-06-23

Sustainability entails a sophisticated understanding of the interconnectedness of nature and the social domain, and willingness by the practitioner to adopt less top-down, hierarchical approaches to tackling the entailed issues. In order to support the networks and programs that are required to foster sustainable development, there is a need for a holistic approach to organisational and programme design, and a holistic insight into the entailed problems. Stafford Beer’s Viable System Model (VSM) provides guidelines for such an approach, one that recognises and nurtures the variety of local human communities within the context of a global community. The paper refers to concrete applications of the model and outlines structural design criteria for dealing with issues of sustainability.

The Conscious Evolution of History: Creating an Environment for an Emergent History of North East Asia

Paul R. Hays — 2006-06-23

One of the goals of creating global agoras is the conscious evolution of society and this must include a conscious attempt to engage with history. The North East Asian Dialog which is in its second year is an attempt to begin such a global agora. In the first boundary spanning dialog a year ago, barriers to communication in the region was the main topic. Lack of a common understanding of history was identified as a key barrier to communication. So, 2006 ICU North East Asian Dialog focused on the diverse understanding of the history of North East Asia by all the peoples living in the geographic region. There are obvious disputes at the governmental level over history textbooks in public schools focusing on what happened and the magnitude of various events. There are also hidden and personal histories that are unknown across the wide range of the territory. From open dispute to private story, there is no common view of the region for all of the regions people. This paper describes the focus on history and the conceptualization of history that is emerging from the dialogues and through the virtual history space being created. It describes the creation of a global agora to support an emergent history of the region The participants gathered for three days at the International Christian University campus in Tokyo, in January 2006. There were representatives from 7 countries and various cultural and ethnic backgrounds. The majority language was Japanese, although the common language of the conference was English. Participants gathered in four groups the share their narratives and all the presentations were videoed. Additionally, a web design team participated and developing the virtual space as the physical presentations were going on. This allowed participants to give instant feedback and critique the virtual space that was being created. The provided great synergy for both the participants and the technical team. This is important since the intent was to create a virtual space that extended the face to face discussions. The dialog developed a view of history as the sum of all the personal experiences or stories of all the individuals. Rather than taking a broad look at the political movements, wars, social errands and such that are the fodder of most histories, we are providing a space where individuals can share their stories of the times. By sharing our personal stories, we come to a larger understanding of the region and its history. The idea is to create a web of narrative that builds a common understanding. As this understanding grows, it can counter the history imposed by experts or authorities. The history is emergent from the experiences of the participants There are a variety of technological issues. The narratives are presented in five languages: Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean and Russian. Some of the narratives are submitted in two languages. Various versions of a narrative must be linked as well as links between the various narratives within languages. The intent is for readers of one script can search through the various narrative space using their own language first. Later, as links are established for key topics, geographical places, and major events across the narratives and the various languages, a network of connections will begin to emerge. The history of the region can then be explored through the narratives of the citizens. Students can read history though data mining the narrative space and the historical web that emerges from that space. With a common understanding of the complexities of history, the foundation of a global agora for the region becomes possible.

Watershed Restoration Groups and Democratic Forest Trusts as Evolutionary Learning Communities

Gus diZerega — 2006-06-23

Civil society rather than either the market or traditional political processes is the most institutionally compatible context within which evolutionary learning communities can be established. This point will be developed using examples drawn form watershed restoration communities in California and Washington. They are examples of evolutionary learning and gradually shifting cultural awareness through confronting the concrete challenges of becoming native to and caretakers of a place. These examples also help explore how evolutionary learning can be integrated into existing society, the weaknesses and strengths traditional governmental and economic institutions bring to this process, and why outside civil society evolutionary learning institutions face systemic environments that are not conducive to their values. The lessons gained from these examples will be applied to other environmental problems where the ELC model holds great potential, particularly the national forests. In terms of the preferences of the sponsors for this section, my paper will explicitly discuss the following” • Human, social, and natural capital These associations all incorporate human, social, and natural capital into the core of their mission and actions. • Self-directed sustainable development These associations only function when they are autonomous, although this very autonomy enables them to be effective learning organizations with respect to discoveries, insights, and experiences by other associations that are relevant to their tasks. • Community empowerment and participatory/anticipatory democracy These associations are perfect illustrations of the viability of discourse models of democratic practice as developed in the work of John Dryzek as well as the promise of a bioregional framework for ELCs. • Socio-ecological competence and the evolution of consciousness The ability of the earliest of these associations to engage large portions of their community, shift cultural perceptions, and recruit new leadership over several decades indicates their success • Design of ELCs as evolutionary guidance systems The most relevant findings of my research so far support James C. Scott and F. A. Hayek’s emphasis on local knowledge as fundamental to the success of learning within complex systems such as dispersed watershed restoration groups. In addition, these examples support Elinor Ostrom’s argument that local groups are necessary because even successful groups within one environment cannot generate reliable principles concrete enough to enable other successful groups to be organized elsewhere. • Evolutionary Systems Design as praxis These above points provide essential insight as to how such groups can be encouraged. I will argue that the model of democratic forest trusts suggests how these lessons can be applied to a very different ecological context, the National Forests. • Syntony as an organizing force in societal evolution The experience of watershed restoration groups demonstrates how decentralized learning networks are able top spread and evaluate their and others’ experiences in the absence of organizational hierarchies. They thus exemplify emergent order processes.

Managing Overwhelming Complexity In Human-Landscape Interactions

Nicholas Magliocca — 2006-06-23

Humans have been altering the natural landscape for millennia (e.g. Pyne, 2001; Fagan, 2004), but increasing population growth and technological innovations are out-pacing management of this landscape (e.g. Hooke, 1994; Haff, 2003). Today’s human-ecosystem interactions are overwhelmingly complex, reducing management agencies and policy solutions to ineffective, short-term interventions. The urban- “wildland” interface (UWI) of the Los Angeles basin is the focal research problem of this paper. A system of inquiry is proposed that focuses management efforts on strongly coupled human-landscape interactions and the emergent behaviors that result. This system of inquiry serves as the conceptual framework for a computer model used to examine the dynamic behavior of the urban-wildland boundary. Current management strategy calls for the suppression of regular fires to minimize the loss of lives and property. However, this management strategy disrupts the natural dissipative processes that stabilize the urban-wildland boundary and creates delayed feedbacks. Management must recognize coupling between system components that may not be apparent in the short term but dominate system behavior on longer time scales. The accumulation of energy (fuel, development, suppression force, etc.) may lead to catastrophic events in the form of large fires and/or landslides. The perceived system behavior is a filtering-out of small, frequent fires on short time scales, and the emergence of catastrophic fire events on longer time scales. The proposed system of inquiry can be used to focus management solutions on the emergent, synergistic interactions that are driving human-landscape problems. It is a tool that can enable stakeholders to properly manage the coupled interactions between society and the surrounding landscape on multiple time scales.

We're Not Dumb Enough To Survive As A Species, But Are We Smart Enough?

Russell Glynn Derickson — 2006-06-23

Abstract We as a species have been endowed by nature with an intelligence superior to all other species on Earth. With that intelligence, though, we have created technologies and engaged in enterprises that have allowed our populations to grow unchecked, at least temporarily, creating vast ecological damage that threatens our very survival as a species. If we were as “dumb” as non-human species, nature would keep us better in check. But are we smart enough to correct for our destructive ways, overriding certain behaviors encoded in our DNA that once served our survival, but now turn against us in our modern circumstances of planetary limits? A look at the collapse of ancient societies and at modern conditions of widespread environmental assault suggests we indeed may not be smart enough to survive as a species. Thus, it would seem we are in a “zone of jeopardy” in our level of intelligence. The circumstance is tragic, because intelligence evolves slowly, much slower than the rate at which ecological destruction occurs by our own hands. There is, however, hope. Technology has led to environmental harm but can also lead us out of the malaise. By a concerted process of widespread “informatization” on both local and global scales, we can construct the knowledge and wisdom to extend our intelligence and moderate our destructive behavioral traits. Novel “global groupware” is proposed and conceptualized for this purpose, based in part on GIS (geographical information system) technology within a WYSIWIS (What You See Is What I See) visual framework to capitalize on our highly visual nature as a species. The global groupware, tentatively named EarthVisionware, would be an actual Internet-based, technological product and would function to create a shared mental model between members of society on all its scales (from local to global), through visual images, critical data, computational tools, and compiled information that is readily comprehended by everyone. As with astronauts returning from the spectacular view in space with a new sense of Earth, its citizens, and themselves, the global groupware with its visual framework will serve to catalyze epiphany through dynamic images of Earth, but will also engender and direct positive action, and, through a watchdog feature, monitor exploitative or injurious behavior that springs up in our ranks. The global groupware will not be stand-alone. It will work in coordination with other ongoing and planned sustainability initiatives.

In Search of Sacred Intelligence: Shamanic Sensibilities & the Evolution of Diversity in Business

Palma Vizzoni — 2006-06-23

This paper explores the question, “How do the sensibilities of shamanic practices in combination with communal indigenous tools demonstrate a capacity to better inform business leadership and management towards sustainability?” This exploration centers itself around a missing link in corporate community management related to the narrow focus of diversity development and the ensuing task to broaden the action of “embracing diversity” as a core value of business. This recovery of deeper diversity awareness towards cultural competence and beyond can bring business to the doorway of utilizing ancient skills traditionally secluded to the lives of indigenous people and their wisdom gatekeepers. The main points of this paper include: · When “modern” society walks into its own indigenous landscape, it can be seen that the socio-environmental crisis faced today is an initiatory ordeal. As a result, modern people are faced with the task of creating practical adaptations to eclectic, ancient tools that serve the action of pushing through this crisis and globally witnessing its conclusion. · Examining what the terms indigenous self, shamanic sensibilities, and work instinct mean for Western culture. · Identifying where Western science meets indigenous technologies and recognizing a new relationship that was previously thought to be incompatible. · Analyzing the connection between broadening the definition of diversity in business to include indigenous community ritual technologies and the capacity of business to integrate sustainability and avoid the fatal consequences of current behaviors. In business diversity training case studies, when some groups have peak experiences of sustained creativity and trust, the format of their training is analogous to common techniques of community ritual. These ideas are supported by the work of David Abram, James Hillman, Martín Prechtel, Malidoma Somé, Brian Swimme, Margaret Wheatley, Ken Wilbur, R. Rosen and P. Digh, J. Gibb, and L. Gibb. These authors provide evidence for connecting Western thought to indigenous practices and building the business case for expanding the concept of diversity.

Fostering a Sustainable Learning Society through Knowledge Based Development

Kathia Castro Laszlo — 2006-06-23

According to convention, there appear to be two main purposes of knowledge based development: economic prosperity and human development. This paper emphasizes the importance of the balance between these two purposes and suggests that they need to be complemented with an axiological framework grounded in a systemic and evolutionary perspective. Such a contextualization of development brings sustainability into focus and gives direction and meaning to related knowledge strategies. The notion of the knowledge economy has long been embraced as an attractive next stage of post-industrial society. However, it remains grounded in an economic model that treats society and the biosphere as externalities. As a result, the knowledge economy appears as an improved but essentially unchanged paradigm of value exchange that continues to increase the gap between rich and poor, ignores the intrinsic value of living and life-supporting systems, and undermines the viability of the biosphere – as if human systems could live without it. A new framework for understanding development in a systemic and interconnected way – evolutionary development – is presented as the larger container within which knowledge strategies could make a significant difference in terms of the creation of value – not only financial, but also human, social, and ecosystemic. The case of Monterrey, Mexico, as the host of the Universal Forum of Cultures in 2007 and as a place with the intention of becoming a knowledge city, is used to highlight the concrete opportunities to link the economic and human dimensions of knowledge based development for the creation of a sustainable learning society.

Reflexivity in Social Systems: The theories of George Soros

Stuart Umpleby — 2006-06-25

Dynamics and Development of the International System: A Complexity Science Perspective

Ingo Piepers — 2006-06-23

In this paper I discuss the outcome of an exploratory research project based on complexity science concepts and theories; this research is focused on the Great Power war dynamics in the time period 1495 - 1945. According to this research, the international system has self-organized critical (SOC) characteristics. A critical point is the attractor of the international system. The war dynamics of Great Powers can be illustrated by a power law. As a result of a driving force, the international system is constantly being pushed toward this critical point. The security dilemma is a booster of this driving force. Tension and frustration build up in the international system as a result of various system thresholds, and are periodically discharged through wars. The SOC characteristics of the international system result in a punctuated equilibrium dynamic. The punctuations produce new international systems, each with its specific characteristics. A quantifiable development of the international system toward a condition of increased stability and reduced resilience can be observed. In addition to SOC characteristics, the international system exhibits characteristics of a chaotic system. Chaos, order and development are closely linked. The SOC dynamics generate a process of social expansion. It is possible to explain the social integration of Europe from this perspective.

Boundary Critique: A minimal concept theory of systems thinking

Derek A. Cabrera — 2006-06-23

Application of a Systems Approach to Distance Education

Teresa A Daniel — 2006-06-23

Systems science provides a tool for understanding relationships between things and not looking for a single answer to a problem within the confines of a single discipline. In postmodern science, understanding the whole involves understanding the parts, but also examining the interrelations between the parts. Distance education manifests certain system characteristics which include: complexity, hierarchy, dynamism, nonlinearity, self-organization as well as both chaos and order. This paper will review the relevant theories and literature and apply a systems approach to the study of distance education in an attempt to understand the interrelationship between the systems and subsystems that make up a complex distance learning program.

Navigating by the North Star: Bridging the Pedagogical Gap Between Content and Structure in Higher Education

Kendall Dunnigan — 2006-06-23

Numerous institutions of higher education throughout the United States are dedicated to providing education that seeks as its goal a more socially just and ecologically sustainable world. Progressive curricula challenging ecological and human exploitation and promoting alternatives is being taught in classes throughout the nation. However, a gap exists between curricula and management in most educational institutions that diminish the teaching goals. Administrative and governance structures to which academic programs are tied for students services and overall college functions lag behind the progressive thinking in classrooms and often lack systems and structures that embody the mission of the institution. Administrative and governance systems can do more to support academic goals directly in terms of effective, mission-based management as well as indirectly by modeling the progressive society envisioned in classrooms in the administrative and governance systems and, thus, extend the learning of the classroom to an integrated totality of the college experience. A sociologist at heart, Mahatma Gandhi advocated, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” The purpose of this paper is: 1) to analyze the hidden socializing impacts of organizational systems and structures in formal education on students; 2) to place the purpose of modern education into an ecological and social context; and, 3) to promote ecological and community based organizational systems that may serve in to bridge the gap between teaching and governing in higher education. I have been working for seven years with a group of committed staff and faculty at New College’s North Bay Campus (NBC) to “bridge the gap” and create an organization that embodies its mission in every aspect of the organization from curricular content to toilet bowl cleaners. Examples of the work that has been implemented at New College will be given at the end of the paper. I hope that the governance work being done at the NBC will inspire other progressive institutions of higher education (and perhaps other institutions as well) to work toward diminishing the gap between their mission and operating structures in order to strengthen the impact of their educational goals.

Participatory Knowing: A Story-Centered Approach to Human Systems

Jack Petranker — 2006-06-25

The tendency of systems approaches to rely on and look for causal explanations creates problems for democratic practice. Causal analysis must generalize and thus assign fixed identities, which inevitably encourages viewing society in terms of competing interest groups whose conflicting goals move them inexorably toward conflict. A second problem with reliance on causality is the sheer complexity of causal analysis of complex social systems, which gives the expert analyst enjoys a claim to superior knowledge and de facto authority over community members. An alternative to causal analysis is to approach systems in ‘story-centered’ terms. Treating the story that the individual or collective ‘inhabits’ as the relevant system for analysis counters the anti-democratic tendencies identified above. Since stories—understood as such—are fluid and shifting, it becomes less natural to define individuals by their interests and identities; in turn, this encourages community participants to engage other community members as cohabitants rather than adversaries. And since story-inhabitants are better equipped than the expert to investigate the story within which they live and act, the authority of the expert is correspondingly reduced. Of the many levels at which story-centric analysis can proceed, a focus on the systemic nature of the environing story is especially appropriate to the needs of today’s complex and heterogeneous democracies. To engage the story at this level allows for honoring multiple stories in society without focusing exclusive at the level of story content, thus creating a foundation for dialog and shared inquiry even among those who inhabit widely varying story-worlds. The individual who learns to analyze the structures of her own story gains essential distance from her own forms of knowledge and commitment, making appreciation of the other more likely. Finally, since this approach encourages analysis of prereflective experience, it creates prospects for personal growth that can support higher levels of democratic functioning.

Dancing With Demons: Pathogenic Problem Solving

Kathleen S. Long — 2006-06-25

This paper explores the way in which we define and deal with social problems such as crime and proposes a new way of thinking about them. Criminality, poverty, illiteracy, addiction and child abuse are some of society's most acute and intractable problems. Despite countless attempted remedies, these complex social problems have continued to grow around the world. Although we have developed systems to address these problems, their operation routinely increases problem severity and scope. They are, in effect, perfectly designed to grow the very pathologies which they were designed to eliminate. To confront these paradoxical outcomes, I took a trans-disciplinary approach to develop a new systemic view for designing systems to cope with the emergent meta-problems. Anchored in second-order cybernetics, and ethnography, this research re-contextualized the problem within a self-reproductive economy of interaction and meaning-making, drawing its boundaries on the basis of its systemic operations and conditions of connectivity across intersecting roles related to the problem-solver, the problem host and the identified problem itself. The result is a model of pathogenesis as nested interactions appearing iteratively from individual to societal levels, revealing a self-referential, recursive and paradoxical structure. Within the multitude of self-referential systems, both biological and social, this research provides a new framework which exposes those factors that initiate, reinforce, escalate and perpetuate unintended evolutionary consequences and identifies specific alterations required to systemically produce beneficial results. An ethnographic case study from the criminal justice system serves as the starting point for this research which provides the basis for an innovative systems methodology relevant to understanding the human condition, and a model for effective, sustainable decision-making processes.

From Applied Narratives to Systemic Inquiry – Human system inquiry in action

Louis Klein — 2006-06-25

Progressive Learning Processes Model – Interpretive Methodological

Nancy Michail — 2006-06-23

What We Can Do Locally

Robert Porter (Skip) Robinson — 2006-06-25

"When I describe Sonoma County as 'ground zero' for the changes that are coming into play in California's health care industry, I mean this primarily in relationship to three significant factors: 1) physician group practices in Sonoma County which were already under considerable financial pressures (e.g., physicians were already leaving the county) prior to the Health Plan of the Redwoods bankruptcy, 2) the falling apart of Health Plan of the Redwood and the "free for all" it started among area employers and individuals and the related juxtapositions among other plans (which still appears to be somewhat "fluid"), and 3) the capacity and interest of institutional players and prominent consumer/patient advocates to build and continue a dialogue which can lead to the creation of some solutions which are local and also to better define those problems which are inevitably outside of the limits of the county. Sonoma County has become a model for the types of problems which the California health care industry is going to continue to encounter over the coming years and also for the types of strategies and solutions that can be developed through dialogue and cooperation. In a sense, Sonoma County becomes a laboratory for action for other counties which will be going through similar circumstances but which may not yet have a common forum for dialoguing and working problems out."

The Biocybernetical Revolution Applying an Elementary Biocybernetic System to Medicine and Society. Subtitle “Complexity, Democracy, Sustainability”.

Allan DeBavelaere — 2006-06-25

Systemic Analysis of the Tourism and Health Relationship

Ricardo Tejeida — 2006-06-25

Health is an important element that should be taken care in consideration when planning the tourist activities, because it involves the resident population in the hosting destinies, as well as the visitors. The infrastructure and the health care services are a constant that should be integrated to the attention offered to travelers. From the perspective of the social well-being, during the high tourist incidence season, the lifestyle in the cities that constitute important destinations is altered by a great amount of visitors, by a nurtured vehicular traffic and by the multiple social activities that are superimposed to the residents. This urban and sometimes rural metabolism alteration is determined by the characteristic lifestyles of the visitors. The deterioration in the visitor’s health, studied by the medicine branch known as constitutes a risk for the whole tourist industry. Somebody that gets sick in a certain place might not return. This fact, when known in his/her hometown, could keep other potential tourists from traveling to that place. This paper, as a part of an research work in process, exposes the importance of developing of a systemic analysis that allows to know the subsystems involved in the health-tourism binomial, since it reflects the narrow link that exists between social well-being and economic development.

Epilepsy as a Dynamic Complex System

Oswaldo Morales-Matamoros — 2006-06-25

COGNITIVE DICTIONARY: A REPRESENTATION OF SHARED REALITY

BORIS GORBIS — 2006-06-23

Language is a cognitive map of concepts. A cognitive dictionary maps our shared reality as represented by linguistic competence of all speakers. COG offers a systematic description of concepts defined by their language usage. The ‘usage’ is formalized and the paper describes format and rules employed in constructing this new type of lexicographic COG data-bases. A concept “entry” is a description of a “spectrum of aspects”, i.e. all cognitive points-of-view from which anyone can view a given concept. Each aspect is serviced by a comprehensive list of Operators (Active, Passive and Modifiers). Finally, the paper offers two ways of indexing word-forms (and concepts): by their semantic weight and by semantic index. By providing a shared metalingual framework, COG(s) might become a useful tool in human-human and human machine interactions.

SYSTEMIC VIEW OF PARTS OF THE WORLD

Janos Korn — 2006-06-23

SYSTEMIC VIEW OF PARTS OF THE WORLD J Korn, janos999@btinternet.com Mailing address : 116 St Margarets Road, Edware, HA8 9UX, UK ABSTRACT An argument based on the systemic view (views of complexity and hierarchy) to justify the use of minimal elements of processed natural language for the construction of models to apply this view, is given. Abstract elements of language are expressed as static arrays of minimal elements which allow their implementation in design of products. Linguistic modelling, dynamics of sentences, is introduced and used as prototype, the end result of design. Hierarchies are constructed using arrays and their combinations with emergent properties. The notion of unit and measure of complexity is introduced.

Consequences of Increments in Cognitive Structure for Attentional Automatization, the Experience of Boredom, and Engagement in Egocentric, Hyperdynamic, Interest-Generating Behaviors: A Developmental Psychophysiologic Approach

Augustin Mateo de la Pena — 2006-06-22

Science, Cybernetics and Knowing

Weld Carter — 2006-06-25

To discuss science, I choose to focus attention on the doings of its practitioners. Many choose to focus on the root scio, translated as ‘I know’, but that choice of a first-person form ignores an essential social aspect of the practice of science, namely the custom that failure to disconfirm by one’s peers plays a major role in deciding what we will accept as ‘scientific’. To address the topic of cybernetics, I paraphrase Wiener to speak of the art and science of designing purposeful, goal-directed––self-steering–– systems. He also considered the field to extend to such learning phenomena as gestalt-formation. Though we sometimes speak of a teacher or mentor as imparting ‘knowledge’, I lodge here an objection to the arrogance of that terminology. Anyone’s claim to ‘know’ any asserted ‘fact’ carries with it––states directly, rather than implies––a degree of god-like certainty that, I maintain, should arouse profound doubt and suspicion in the wise or prudent reader or listener. In the present paper, I shall address each of these areas in more detail.

Viable Urban Settlements

Jon Li — 2006-06-25

From Economic to Sustainable Development - Unfolding the Concept of Law

Hanne Birgitte Jensen — 2006-06-25

The paper presents an analysis of the interrelationship of law, policy and knowledge under conditions of globalization. The paper’s basic premise is that the emergence of the sustainable development policy has been driven by an expanding awareness of the world as a singular and interdependent entity. My principal argument is that the policy of sustainable development is part of a wider epistemic shift, - which means that we - the global community at large - understand the world differently today than 50-60 years ago when the United Nations and the Bretton Woods inspired institutions were established. The theory of change underlying the policy represents, therefore, a shift from the model of economic development, which builds on the idea of separation and functional specialization, to a model of sustainable development, which builds on interdependence and integration. I suggest that the sustainable development policy provides us with a key to develop a common theoretical framework for explaining the implications of the epistemic shift, but, that giving effect to the shift will require research and co-operation between a wide range of disciplines. I further suggest that expanding the concept of law provides a necessary condition for making the epistemic shift operational as a new paradigm in a global governance context. In conclusion, I propose that the theoretical insight from the policy provides the resources to answer the post-modern crisis of truth, which in essence is a crisis of reality, self and language. In fact, I propose that sustainable development has the potential for enabling a change equivalent to that of the Copernican revolution, which concerned man’s place in the cosmos, while sustainable development concerns man's place in the biosphere. Effectuating the change will, however, require a fundamental willingness of the global scholarly community to engage with - and not merely describe, prescribe, and measure - reality and the human condition.

A Lethal Fundamental Error: How to Recognize, Reject & Replace It

C. A. Hilgartner — 2006-06-25

A Lethal Fundamental Error: How To Recognize, Reject & Replace It C. Andrew Hilgartner, MD Director, Hilgartner & Associates, 2413 North East Street, Kirksville, MO 63501, USA: cah5@hilgart.org Abstract Experts within various specialties warn of crises in their individual areas of expertise—usually in myopic, single-issue terms. In this paper I present a more holistic view, an alternative frame of reference that offers a novel perspective on our difficulties. I diagnose our culture as experiencing an acute suicidal emergency—we may soon render ourselves extinct (along with most of the rest of the biosphere). I have found a previously unnoticed fundamental theoretical error encoded in the generalized grammar of the western Indo-European (WIE) family of languages. This error I find embedded––hidden––in notational (written) as well as discursive (spoken) locutions, and it appears to afflict all of our ‘disciplines’ (sub-languages) including the WIE logics, mathematics, sciences, philosophies, jurisprudences, religions, etc. We humans use our languaging as a sort of ‘map’, by which to represent and transact with the ‘territory’ of our experiencing (the world). However, no ‘map’ can satisfy the criteria as identical with the ‘territory’ that it purports to represent. But, by assuming tacitly that it does, we continue to generate lethal errors and misunderstandings. This error leads us to misunderstand our relationship with ourselves-and-our-environments, and has led our culture unawarely to commit a cascade of survival errors, the accumulated weight of which now would allow us to exterminate living organisms (that includes us!) from this planet with only a moment’s notice. The fundamental error I have disclosed appears to me of magnitude and scope sufficient to account for the human-species-suicidal emergency in which we have placed ourselves. In this paper I elaborate on these issues and discuss alternative ways of viewing ourselves-in-the-world that offer the possibility of averting catastrophe. Here, I suggest, you may come to see your disciplines, your languages, your culture, your place in the biosphere (the terrestrial…sidereal universe), etc., as not fragmented, but as a whole.

An Analysis of the System Theoretic Perspectives in the Proposals by Klir and Luhmann for the Study of Cross-Area Epistemic Communication

Rafael A. Ayala-Rodríguez — 2006-06-25

System theory presents multiple approaches that enable a certain understanding of systems given the particularities of each of the various approaches to it. If one were to describe under which conditions there exists the possibility of communication across knowledge areas and one were to use Systems Theory to perform such a description, which of the available system theoretical perspectives would be most adequate? This endeavor requires a choice among these different approaches available within systems theory, and since the analysis is to be made on a set of knowledge-producing areas inscribed in a knowledge validating environment, the need for a cross disciplinary approach such as the one taken by systems theory is deemed appropriate. We have selected two of these systems theoretical positions to describe and ultimately select from. The present article discusses the differences and similarities of the approaches to systems theory proposed by Klir and the one in Luhmann’s social systems. The methodology used for this purpose is a summary revision of some key system theoretical proposals for the objective of contextualizing both theories and providing the grounds for analysis. Given the contextualization of the perspectives one is able to better appreciate the implications inherent in taking one or another perspective for the proposed study. The gain in depth, the distinctions, and the qualifications in the resulting characterization of the system to study will strongly depend on the choice of perspective. A clear distinction between methodologies is obtained as a result of this study and the obvious choice for the objective of studying cross-area communication among knowledge areas is presented and justified.

Systems Tools for Institutional Transformation & Viable Urban Settlements

Jon Li — 2006-06-25

The current world/national economy is in increasing trouble. There have been times of major social and institutional change, like 1500, 1776, and 1900, when changes in social ideas and new technologies have driven institutional transformations; this type of major change is called a “paradigm shift.” General Systems Theory is an invented language based on biological organismic behavior that offers an expanding comprehensive logic of scientific analysis for problem solving and large scale design. The need is to transcend the narrow focus of linear thinking dominant since Decartes that has led to recurring and growing difficulties with all of society’s major institutions. New systems thinking offers a platform for viewing social systems as dynamic rather than static structures, such as functional medicine, and Stafford Beer’s Viable System Model. Second Paper: “Viable Urban Settlements”: A systems model of an evolving metropolitan community grounded in an international network of real time information flows offers an alternative future of de-emphasizing the potential for harm by the global/national megathreats. The challenge is to create transitional strategies that weave together and converge into a more viable geopolitical economic system.

Re-Constructing Culture

Martha A Bartter — 2006-06-25

Abstract In every known culture, humans operate in a systematic manner: to survive as a society, they reproduce, raise and educate their young, devising new and useful ways to do so, and pass these creations on as gifts to the future. In other words, humans everywhere deal with three important jobs: to learn an available portion of his/her culture, to contribute to that culture in some way, and to pass on what s/he has learned to the next generation. Alfred Korzybski called this process time-binding, and noted that anyone holding this view of the human process must view all humans as valuable contributors to the world. In the United States, most of us live in a rich and wasteful culture. We throw garbage into “dumps” and once it’s out of sight, we don’t think about it any more. Our culture produces lots and lots of garbage. One of the most important—and least noticed—kinds of garbage we create consists of people. Since we can’t throw them on a literal garbage dump, we have to find other, less obvious ways of getting rid of them. After that, we can forget they ever existed. We have many ways of assigning people to the “garbage” category, and have invented many ways of “dumping” them: prejudice, colonialism, poverty, exile, taking (and misusing) their land, assimilation, genocide, and now biocide. Some psychologists claim that humans “instinctively” divide people into “known/friend” or “unknown/enemy.” Others claim that humans “naturally” dislike anyone who might compete with them for resources or wealth. We must interrogate both “instinct” and “nature” when applied to humans. Time-binding creates a more just and humane way to deal with our fellow humans; without a variety of humans, culture cannot survive. I recommend that we try it.

Mindful Knowing

Kay Fielden — 2006-06-23

In this paper the concept of mindfulness is explored as a construct that enables complexity, democracy and sustainability to be embraced in a ‘natural’ rather than a ‘learned’ manner In adapting Prensky's (2001) metaphor of ‘digital native’ and digital immigrant’, we have the opportunity to become ‘mindful natives’ rather than ‘mindful immigrants’. First, mindfulness (Fielden, 2005) is defined to encapsulate knowing intellectually, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. Mindfulness in its interconnectedness is then defined and explored. Next, mindfulness as a necessary precondition for understanding and working within the complex systems that exist in organizations is discussed. A plan for incorporating mindful practices within organizational change that are both systemic and sustainable is described. Finally, mindfulness in its interconnectedness for a global and sustainable future is explored.

The Emergence of Ethical Norms in Human Systems

Mark Graves — 2006-06-22

Through the scientific study of human systems, one can model most activity as occurring on physical, biological, psychological and cultural levels where the boundaries occur in biochemical, neurological, and linguistic systems, respectively. The contemporary philosopher of science and religion Philip Clayton in Mind and Emergence suggests an additional emergent level of spiritual or transcendent activity, which emerges from mental (and cultural) activity, that in this systems model would capture activity at a fifth transcendent level. The transcendent level captures cross-cultural activities and norms such as those referred to in ethical, aesthetic and philosophical activities as relating to the Greek Good, Beauty, and Truth, respectively. The American pragmatist Josiah Royce suggests in The Philosophy of Loyalty that harmony between cultures can occur only when each culture’s ideals and cause include Loyalty to Loyalty, a commitment to the principle of commitment and dedication that demonstrates support and obligation to the loyalty of those in opposing cultures to their particular cause. (Royce, 1908) Royce argues convincingly that Loyalty to Loyalty not only provides harmony, but also suffices to distinguish the ethical or “true” causes as those that incorporate Loyalty to Loyalty. The cultural characteristic of Loyalty to Loyalty results in the emergent property of cross-cultural harmony and diversity at the transcendent level. Systems theory provides a tool for modeling personal and cultural interactions and the resultant emergent phenomena. Following Terrence Deacon’s three orders of emergence, one may classify ethical systems into those that result in norms of relational properties, asymmetrical constraints, or information-bearing control. First-order emergence includes Kantian systems that depend upon universalization of a maxim of conditions across society. Second-order emergence includes the development of virtuous habits through practice. Third-order emergence includes Josiah Royce’s Loyalty to Loyalty where the aspiration and commitment to a principle is to the process of aspiration and commitment itself and results in a topological closure that provides ethical stability to various additional ethical or spiritual norms.

Knowledge and Conceptual Information

Antonin ROSICKY — 2006-06-23

Despite of a whole series of proclamations on how a information is important and needed, the whole concept of information (incl. questions covering the origin of the information or its mean-ing) is actually still quite fuzzy and misty.

Information Basis for Action in Human Information Processing: Consequences for Information System Design

Bertil Lind — 2006-06-23

Information is available internally as well as all around us. It is possible to identify a number of different levels for information. Internally we can find genetic information that will make us the way we are. It will determine our characteristics as human beings. There is also other internal information that we are unaware of, information that controls automatic processes like heartbeat and breathing. We also have internal information that we are aware of. Such information appears when we are thinking of something or solving problems using our previous knowledge and impressions from the outside world. External information can be obtained from several different information sources. Physical objects may convey information to us when we perceive them. Such information can be obtained through active as well as passive search. Conversation with other people is another information source. Talking to people can also give us information through active as well as passive search. Reference information is found in for example encyclopaedias and reference literature. Such information is usually found through active search, but it may happen that when looking for one concept you get information about another concept and therefore this kind of information can also be gained through passive search. Mass media is another information source that will bring us news information. We are fed with the information that news editors has chosen to deliver to us. Encyclopaedias and mass media can be seen as logical objects. There are also other kinds of logical objects that may convey information to us such as for example books about a certain subject or fiction. I will call this kind of logical objects descriptions. Descriptive information is usually gained through passive search. Regardless of information source, we get information only after we have interpreted the impressions and created a meaning using previous knowledge. Information is thus regarded as an internal concept. We can see that much of the information is a direct base for action. Thoughts are used for decision making, which is we plan actions according to what we think. Information from external sources can also be used as a base for actions since we use information obtained in that way for decision making. An information system should help the user in information processing. Since information is the base for actions it is not enough to look at usability aspects of the information system but actability aspects must also be considered. Actability means that the system should support and encourage the user to perform the actions that the supplied information will imply as well as to support the information behaviour of the user to find the information that he or she needs.

Systems Science in the Information Society

Ann Lind — 2006-06-23

The changes that we have experienced during the end of the 20th century are so extensive that it is reasonable to assume that we have taken part in a historical transition. This transition is characterized by the conversion of our materialistic culture into a new technical paradigm dominated by information technology. The industrial revolution was dependent on energy sources. Steam power, electricity, fossil fuel and nuclear power had their great importance since the production and distribution of energy are key factors for the success of the industrial society. In the information society the success factors are instead the technique for processing and distribution of information. What is most important in the new paradigm is thus not the central position of knowledge and information but rather the possibility to use these for such instruments that create knowledge, or process or distribute information. Even if network constellations between different organizations have existed for centuries, the great importance of knowledge and information has contributed to a new situation in the modern society. The digital world and the new information technology makes it possible to create geographically separated groups, virtual networks or virtual communities, where resources and activities are combined to create a result that can not be reached without collaboration, between the members of the network. Collaboration includes development and co-design and collaboration in such networks makes it possible for many organizations, companies and authorities to cope with fast technological changes. For them it is important that the collaboration works well to enhance efficiency to the different tasks. It is also very important that the members in the network can access and use information efficiently. There are many different factors influencing development and information interchange in virtual networks. Focusing on one aspect may therefore cause dissonance or inefficiency in other areas of the network. A system theory holistic approach is therefore essential to be able to study information related activities in a virtual network. Such a network is a social system that may be viewed as a human activity system according to Checkland’s definition. In this paper, aspects of human activity systems are used to illuminate some characteristics of information behaviour that may be important for the activities in virtual networks. The question is also raised what really is development in the network. Sharing information is then not enough since that information already is available in the network. True development is achieved when members collaborate to find previously unknown new activities that could not have been created without co-design.

The Need of Compatibility of Information Processing with the Control Structure of the Organization

Roberto R Kampfner — 2006-06-23

In order to be effective an information system must be compatible with the structure and dynamics of the organizational functions it supports and with the adaptability of the organization. An important aspect of the structure of organizations is their control structure, that is, the way in which their control functions relate to each other and to the organizational functions they control. The potential impact of the information system on the adaptability of the organization is particularly important since it affects the ability of the organization to cope with the uncertainty of its environment. This paper addresses the need for an information system to be compatible with the structure and dynamics of the organization it supports and with its adaptability. Because of the effect that the control structure of an organization has on its adaptability, modeling organizations as distributed control structures is particularly useful in our case.

Theory of Systems and Information Systems Research Frameworks

Manuel Mora — 2006-06-23

Information Systems (IS) discipline has been critiqued for being a fragmented discipline, and with little accumulative tradition. Consequently, several research frameworks have been proposed since the 1970s (Mason and Mitroff 1973; Ives, Hamilton and Davis 1980; Nolan and Wheterbe, 1980; Alter 2003) to help to organize, define and delimit such objects of study. However, despite the benefits reported to guide IS research to focus on the adequate objects of study, a formal systemic analysis of them reveals that these frameworks are still incomplete and have systemic inconsistencies. Then, this paper, based in the premise of the development of a more updated and comprehensive framework is required, reports a new one. Its completeness regarding previous frameworks is discussed as well as its potential utilization.

Innovative approaches to water security: ICTs as platforms for systemic online negotiation

sandrine michele simon — 2006-06-23

This paper presents the initial outcomes of the research project ‘Innovative approaches to water security using ICTs for systemic online negotiations’ carried out between the department of Systems at the OU, UNESCO PC-CP programme and UNESCO-IHE Institute of water education. It presents an analysis of how water conflicts can be managed - by being prevented through integrated water management and - through better communication amongst water stakeholders and more systemic analysis of water problems at stake. The paper explores how ICTs can provide both a support for such systemic analyses and an enabling communication tool that presents an interesting democratic alternative to currently existing negotiating platforms. The use of Soft Systems Methodologies represents an important step forward in negotiation methods in that: - it helps examine how the various parties’ perspectives can be better presented to each other, hence helping taking cultural dimensions of negotiations into account and - it supports an integrated representation of water issues, human-environment interactions and environmental security.

True, Good and General System Theories: How to Develop and Evaluate Them

Carl Slawski — 2006-06-23

This review attempts to codify the bases in philosophy of science, physical and social, in order to aid future generic theory construction, development, evaluation, and potential research funding. To lay the groundwork, a theoretically core building block of a true theory is a unit concept, here proposed as “change in relationships.” The overall procedure is built on the definition of true theory as a set of deductively interrelated hypotheses, which has important evidence to back it up (G. Homans, 1967). The six headings (I through VI) can each be represented by one main (and several lesser layers of descriptive charts). I. A Generic 4-BOX FLOW DIAGRAM, Chart #I, taken as a device, is a way of advancing from typologies and paradigms to a process diagram applicable to any brain-like mechanism in an interacting system. A variation makes the chart applicable as a general Social Problem Solver for applying any theory to concrete cases. II. A relationship insight DEVICES typology arrays possible generic MEDIA FOR UNDERSTANDING (Chart #II) in an approach to a kind of cognitive , culminating in a general application (whether oriented to policy or helping), one that contains practical prescriptions or guidelines for effective or fulfilling action (1988, 1989, 1993). A ladder of ten meta-methodological concepts in theory construction is reduced here (Chart #III) to the THREE LEVELS OF TRUE GST. The levels are labeled from bottom to top level as follows, # ‘0’, ahP (ad hoc PRE-Theory), then up through the three main levels: 1) LPC (LIMITED PROBLEM (or Issue) CENTERED, 2) PAM (PURE ABSTRACT, MULTI-LEVEL), and finally to 3) CESP (COMPREHENSIVE ECO-SOPHICAL POLICY). IV. The four main CRITERIA FOR A GOOD THEORY, Chart #IV, with the goal of (taken from Slawski’s original 1974 article in Zeitschrift fur Soziologie, plus many prior Proceedings papers), are: 1) Ease of application or testability, 2) information value, 3) predictability, and 4) explanatory power (the most crucial criterion of all). Every theory and every hypothesis should be measured up against these four criteria. Expanded lists up to 33 Criteria for a Good Theory can be applied to any clearly describable situation, including organizational Policy Theory, or a Helping Situation. V. This causal and typological list attempts to focus on a top level, short list of 13 Core Hypotheses, containing GST’s main distinctive hypotheses (Chart #V-i, then displayed side by side with their 13 corresponding prescriptions). This is a broad attempt at setting up a model for many extant, classical GST’s. VI. A case of a TRUE, GOOD AND GENERAL SYSTEM THEORY aims at the possible utility of the overall approach presented here. Specifically, Gandhian Ethics of Conflict Resolution: A TRUE THEORY (adapted mainly from A. Naess) is boiled down to 5 selected hypotheses and two norms (Chart #VI, based in turn on 4 normative Hindu concepts, ahimsa, satyagraha, brahmacharya, swaraj and swadeshi).

Circularity of Human Knowing and System Science

Antonin Rosicky — 2006-06-23

Human knowledge plays an essential role in systems complexity and its disdain reflects not only everyday life but also in hard system approaches. Its nature remains hidden and delimits a difference between knowledge as object and dynamic mental process. The biological nature of it is explained by contemporary second order cybernetic that point out two aspects of it: Knowledge is strongly coupled with individual however it is socially constructed at the same time. Higher more general concepts emerge in this way and constitutes culturally shared and often misjudged background of human thinking and doing. Also systemic thinking unifying modern systems science and cybernetics is such framework. The relationship of knowledge and systemic has circular character and enables to understood some problems newly, incl. some aspects of systems thinking.

Rethinking Systems Movement

Abdur Md. Rouf — 2006-06-23

Operationalizing resilience in Australian and New Zealand agroecosystems

Cameron S Fletcher — 2006-06-23

We present techniques that we have developed to operationalize the concept of resilience, as promoted by The Resilience Alliance (www.resalliance.org). We also outline a new program of research applying these techniques across a diverse range of Australian and New Zealand systems to begin operationalizing resilience management wherever humans interact with the natural environment. Resilience is an emergent system-wide property that describes the capacity of a system to absorb perturbations and persist in a variable environment. In human-modified natural systems, such as agro-ecosystems and landscape mosaics containing both farmland and remnant native vegetation, we claim: a) that long-term system dynamics is determined by interactions and feedbacks between social, economic and ecological sub-systems, rather than instantaneous stocks and flows of material throughout a system; and b) that instantaneous system behaviour is often dominated by stochasticity, variability and uncertainty. We propose a new mathematical technique, based on dynamical systems theory and systems science, which embraces uncertainty using the concept of resilience. We hope that this approach will provide a useful complement to “precise” simulation models of agricultural systems. We examine these techniques in the context of a new research program studying resilience in Australian and New Zealand agro-ecosystems. This research program is allowing us to apply these techniques to a wide range of case studies, producing quantitative results that operationalize the concept of resilience at a scale not previously achieved.

Qualitative Systems Thinking

Anthony Malcolm Hodgson — 2006-06-23

This paper explains the philosophy and formalism behind General Systematics, illustrates the first eight systems in relation to the design of a sustainable democracy and then develops some diagnostics of our current shortfall from such a sustainable democracy. Aspects of well known systems thinking approaches are summarised as a way of positioning systematics ias a qualitaitve approach. Systematics enables multi-perspective thinking through different orders of system from simple to complex. The scheme of n-term systems referred to as monad, dyad, triad, tetrad etc oup to duodecad is outlined. The illustration of applying this to designing a sustainable democracy shows its relevance for eliciting holistic and cross-disciplinary perspectives in the area of socio-technical messes. Systematics as an appreciative system enables a more inclusive, cross-disciplinary and holistic understanding to be discussed.

Is Paul Weiss' and Ludwig von Bertalanffy's System Thinking still valid today?

Manfred Drack — 2006-06-23

The roots of what is today called general system theory (GST) can be traced back to the Vienna of the early 20th century. In the 1920s Paul Weiss performed experiments in the Viennese Prater Vivarium (a privately founded research institution in the area of experimental biology) and found that his results were totally incompatible with the prevailing mechanistic concepts dominating the biologists way of thinking. Therefore he proposed a system view. At about the same time Ludwig von Bertalanffy, coming from philosophical grounds, tried to overcome the dispute in biology of vitalism versus mechanism by developing an organismic concept. They met each other and discussed the biological concepts when von Bertalanffy was still a student. Rupert Riedl knew both scholars personally and thought that their ideas are of paramount importance not only for the biologists world view. Thus he initiated a research project called "System Theory Today", in which the developments in system theory in the last three decades should be investigated. The focus of the project here described lies in the reception of system theory after von Bertalanffy's dead. Further developments as well as reductionistic tendencies are to be tackled. As our pre-studies have shown, a whole lot of disciplines have adopted system theory for their needs, but some of the modified theories sheer away from the original context. On the one side the development in the different disciplines is positive, on the other side it leads to contradictory positions followed by misunderstandings and building up new boarders that are weakening the prime intention of system theory. System theory was always meant to be an integrative tool for all sciences and was aiming for a dialog between scientific disciplines. Based on the theory arising from biology the developments in different disciplines (from mathematics to engineering, from medicine to economics, but especially life sciences) will be investigated. The key question is, whether von Bertalanffy's and Weiss' system thinking still plays a role in science today and especially if there are contributions that broaden or reduce the concept. To complete the picture the just recently found Bertalanffy estate, which is now hosted by the University of Vienna, will play an important role. The working hypothesis is that what was made out of GST is a considerable reduction of the original concept. In this paper an overview of the research work in the project will be given. It starts with the system concepts in 1920s biology and the thoughts of Weiss and Bertalanffy. Therefrom the basic concepts are extracted to be compared with the contemporary developments of GST.

The Nature of Change: A Systems Theory Approach to Causality

Linda Irene GLASSOP — 2006-06-23

Causality is pivotal to understanding the nature of change. The literature on causality, however, appears to ignore the idea that the whole is more than the sum of the parts. When real things are viewed as multi dimensional (attributes and parts that constitute a whole), interaction, I claim, must also be viewed as multi-dimensional. In this paper, I propose that change occurs in certain ways according to the structure-organization-process (S O P) model that I describe. Some of the ideas mooted herein are, on their own, not controversial, however, when taken as a sum, a novel approach emerges. The structure-organization-process (S O P) model provides a way for understanding: • structural change as individual effects to attributes (S); • organizational change as categorical effects to parts (O); and • processual change as universal effects to wholes (P). The S O P model heralds a new way of looking at the cause-effect relation by providing a means for predicting the diversity of effects that ensue from an interaction event. The S O P model is offered as a general organizing principle as it can be applied to closed, open and social systems.