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Questions and Answers
What term describes the arrangement where a system is made of subsystems and supersystems?
What term describes the arrangement where a system is made of subsystems and supersystems?
Interdependence in a system means that components operate independently and do not rely on each other.
Interdependence in a system means that components operate independently and do not rely on each other.
False (B)
What are the three concepts that characterize system components?
What are the three concepts that characterize system components?
Hierarchical Ordering, Interdependence, Permeability
The process of _____ involves both input and output activities, requiring interaction with the external environment.
The process of _____ involves both input and output activities, requiring interaction with the external environment.
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Which type of feedback maintains steady system functioning?
Which type of feedback maintains steady system functioning?
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Match the following system properties with their definitions:
Match the following system properties with their definitions:
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Dysfunctional feedback can reinforce harmful behaviors within a system.
Dysfunctional feedback can reinforce harmful behaviors within a system.
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What is the term for allowing information and materials to flow in and out of a system?
What is the term for allowing information and materials to flow in and out of a system?
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Which concept refers to the tendency of open systems to maintain themselves and grow through the flow of information and materials with the environment?
Which concept refers to the tendency of open systems to maintain themselves and grow through the flow of information and materials with the environment?
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Requisite variety suggests that a system's internal workings must be simplistic and straightforward.
Requisite variety suggests that a system's internal workings must be simplistic and straightforward.
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What is the primary purpose of feedback in a cybernetic system?
What is the primary purpose of feedback in a cybernetic system?
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Karl Weick's theory of organising highlights the importance of reducing __________ in an organisation's information environment.
Karl Weick's theory of organising highlights the importance of reducing __________ in an organisation's information environment.
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Which of the following best describes Weick's view of organisations?
Which of the following best describes Weick's view of organisations?
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Match the systems theorist with their respective theory:
Match the systems theorist with their respective theory:
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What key principles are emphasized by the 'New Science' systems theory in organizational communication?
What key principles are emphasized by the 'New Science' systems theory in organizational communication?
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Cybernetic Systems Theory addresses both system growth and environmental influence.
Cybernetic Systems Theory addresses both system growth and environmental influence.
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Flashcards
System
System
An assembly of components in an organization, including people and departments.
Hierarchical Ordering
Hierarchical Ordering
A system involves subsystems and supersystems, like departments in an organization.
Interdependence
Interdependence
Components of a system rely on each other to function effectively.
Permeability
Permeability
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Input-Throughput-Output
Input-Throughput-Output
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Process of Exchange
Process of Exchange
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Feedback
Feedback
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Holism
Holism
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Negative Entropy
Negative Entropy
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Requisite Variety
Requisite Variety
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Cybernetic Systems Theory
Cybernetic Systems Theory
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Interrelated Components
Interrelated Components
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Organising (Weick)
Organising (Weick)
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Sensemaking
Sensemaking
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New Science Systems Theory
New Science Systems Theory
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Key Principles of New Sciences
Key Principles of New Sciences
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Study Notes
System Concepts in Organizations
- Systems are composed of interconnected components (people and departments)
- Hierarchical structure: Subsystems (e.g., departments) and supersystems (e.g., healthcare industry) exist
- Interdependence: Components rely on each other
- Permeability: Information and materials flow into and out of the system
System Processes
- Input-Throughput-Output: Systems receive input, process it (throughput), and produce output
- Process of Exchange: Input and output activities involve interaction with the environment; system boundaries can be open or closed
- Process of Feedback: Crucial for maintaining stability (negative feedback) and driving change (positive feedback); dysfunctional feedback can reinforce harmful behaviors
- Permeability of system boundaries impacts the exchange process
System Properties
- Holism: The whole system is greater than the sum of its parts
- Equifinality: Different methods can achieve the same outcome
- Negative Entropy: Open systems sustain and grow through exchange with the environment
- Requisite Variety: Systems need internal complexity to manage environmental complexity
Systems Theories
Cybernetic Systems Theory
- Aims to guide systems (physical, natural, and organizational) toward goals
- Involves system goals, mechanisms, and feedback
- Example: Human body regulating temperature, organizational performance review
- Focuses on feedback and interdependence; does not address growth or environmental influence
Karl Weick's Theory of Organizing
- Organizing reduces ambiguity in the information environment through communication
- Organizational members use "assembly rules" and interaction for sensemaking
- Organizations co-create their environment via enactment
- Reducing ambiguity is crucial for success, especially in crisis
"New Science" Systems Theory
- Organizations are adaptive systems, and order can arise from disorder
- Emphasizes complexity, fluctuating information, and potential for innovation at the "edge of chaos"
- Key principles: Relationships, participation, change acceptance, openness to diverse information
- Importance of adapting to complex environments
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Explore the fundamental concepts of systems within organizational settings, including their components, processes, and properties. Understand how interdependence and feedback mechanisms contribute to system functionality and effectiveness. This quiz will test your knowledge on these essential organizational principles.
