Title: A general systems framework for social systems
Abstract: In evolving toward the postindustrial society there is increasing need for the development of conceptual models based on system theoretic principles. Identification and measurement of system inputs, the dynamic behavior of identifiable subsystems, the appreciation of stochastic factors and overall system behavior are important not only to our political and professional social system managers, but also more generally to everyone in society. Our implicit aim is to plan for and to control the system so as to perform in a socially good way. However there remain major difficulties caused by the lack of data on which evaluations of societal functions can be based, and the limitations of existing system methodologies to deal with the full range of complexity in societal systems. In this paper the relationship between general systems theory and social systems is explored, including an introduction to the general system characteristics which seem basic to social systems. Emphasis is placed on the discussion of social indicators and social accounts in the system theoretic context, and the adaptibility of system and control concepts to the social environment.
Publication Year: 1974
Publication Date: 1974-03-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 13
AI Researcher Chatbot
Get quick answers to your questions about the article from our AI researcher chatbot