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What is variety engineering and why do we need it?

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  • Markus Schwaninger
  • Stefan Ott

Abstract

Management in systemic terms means to cope with complexity. Ross Ashby's law of requisite variety shows the way—maintaining the varieties of interacting systems in balance. To denote that process, we use the cybernetic concept of ‘variety engineering’, which we also formalize. It refers to processes of mutual complexity amplification and attenuation by interacting agents. The purpose of this contribution is to elicit ways of coping with complexity by means of variety engineering. The abstract concepts are illustrated by examples from ecological, social and economic contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Markus Schwaninger & Stefan Ott, 2024. "What is variety engineering and why do we need it?," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 41(2), pages 235-246, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:srbeha:v:41:y:2024:i:2:p:235-246
    DOI: 10.1002/sres.2964
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Angela Espinosa & Jon Walker, 2011. "A Complexity Approach to Sustainability:Theory and Application," World Scientific Books, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., number p699, September.
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