The Systems Theory of Management

The Systems Theory of Management

The systems theory of management offers the adherents a wide perspective on the organizations they are charged with watching. “It provides a framework for visualizing internal and external environmental factors as an integrated whole” (Johnson, Kask, & Rosenweig, 1964). This interdisciplinary approach to managing a system or organization prepares a manager for all possible perturbations of the system in question.

What is the Systems Theory of Management?

The systems theory of management concerns itself with all the subsystems that converge to form the whole organization. Systems have inputs, processes, outputs, and outcomes. Each of these subcomponents is an integral part of the whole and if each is understood as part of the whole then the process can be manipulated for best result (McNamara, 2014).

Inputs are the raw materials needed for the system to function. These can be any raw materials necessary for the system to function properly. Fuel, plastics and personnel are all examples of raw materials important in some systems (McNamara, 2014). Each is fed into a system and drives the system to move forward.

Processes are purposeful events that achieve a goal (Source Making, 2014). Making computers for sale, processing patient samples to inform a doctor of the health status of a patient, or building a road are all processes. Each process in a business is interdependent and must either be performed sequentially or in in parallel (Source Making, 2014). Each process must be mapped and planned so that they are executed in an organized and controlled manner.

Outputs are the products of an organizations’ effort (McNamara, 2014). The computers manufactured, the results of the labs tests, and the road...

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...n in an even larger system becomes more successful and the economy or industry will also thrive.

Works Cited

Bertalanffy, L. (1972). The History and Status of General Systems Theory, Academy of

Management Journal, 15(4). 407-426

Johnson, R., Kask, F., & Rosenweig, J. (1964). Systems theory and Management. Management

Science, 10(2), 367-384

McNamara, C. (2014). Historical and Contemporary Theories of Management.

Retrieved from http://managementhelp.org/management/theories.htm

Shen, Qingyun. (2013). Under What Conditions Can Urban Rail Transit Induce Higher Density?

Evidence from Four Metropolitan Areas in the United States, 1990-2010 (Doctoral dissertation). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses database. (Accession Number: 3610161)

Source Making. (2014). Business Processes and Business Systems. Retrieved from

http://sourcemaking.com/uml/modeling-b