Systems Thinking and Management Epistemology

Epistemology, or the theory of knowledge, is concerned with the nature and scope of knowledge, its presuppositions and basis, and the general reliability of claims to knowledge. Since its birth, Social Systems Sciences (S3) has been critical of positivist epistemology in the discipline of management. The epistemological foundations of management theory have evolved with the development of three paradigms—the idea of social science, the unity of science movement, and the behavioral science revolution. Examining the epistemological foundations of maangement theory, this paper reflects on the role of positivism as a dominant ideological construct (or a grand-narrative) in management and organizational studies.     

What systems thinking can learn from history

A new concept of history would enable members of the systems community to reflect on two closely linked issues: teleology and a way of reasoning which arises out of it. In other words, by rethinking the role of a concept of history we will be able to grasp a sense of cultural purpose for a system or an organization and, next, be led into a way of reasoning which will direct the collective mind of such a system or organization as a whole.