preview

Compare Viable Systems Model (VSM) and Soft Systems Model (SSM) in terms of their way of dealing with organisational issues.

Better Essays

INDEX

1. The Differentiation between VSM and SSM

1.1 Viable System Model..........................................................................2

1.1.1 A brief overview of VSM.......................................................2

1.1.2 Argumentation on VSM........................................................3

1.2 Soft Systems Methodology....................................................4

1.2.1 A simple description of SSM................................................4

1.2.2 Commentary on SSM..........................................................5

1.3 Comparison between VSM and SSM......................................6

2. The Mutualism between VSM and SSM...............................8

2.1 The Relationship between …show more content…

The nature of the system purpose should be the guide to settling the balance between centralization and decentralization.

Second, the model demands that attention be paid to the sources of command and control in the system. The role of system 4 deserves special attention here. It is a development function which, in the light of threats and opportunities in the environment, can suggest changes to systemic purpose and consequent alterations of organizational structure. The restrictions on the autonomy imposed by system 2 and 3 are only such as to ensure overall systemic cohesiveness.

Third, the model recognizes that information is the true cement holding organizations together. It offers a particularly suitable starting point for the design of information systems, as indeed has been convincingly argued by Espejo (1979) and Watt (1978).

Fourth, the organization is represented as being in close inter-relationship with its environment; both influencing it and being influenced by it. The organization does not simply react to its environment but can proactively attempt to change the environment in ways which will benefit the organization.

Finally, the VSM can be used to make specific recommendations for improving the performance of organizations as systems. Beer's model can be employed to assist with the design of new organizational systems, which should be constructed so as to ensure that they adhere to the cybernetic principles elucidated in the VSM.

1.2 Soft

Get Access