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A question of interpretation: The Viable System Model (VSM)

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  • Harwood, Stephen A.

Abstract

Smith and Shaw (2018) The characteristics of problem structuring methods: A literature review. European Journal of Operational Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2018.05.003) offer an interesting insight into the characteristics of problem structuring methods (PSMs) grounding this upon a literature review. However, their evaluation of Stafford Beer's Viable System Model (VSM) is open to a different interpretation to the one they offer, drawing upon significant literatures seemingly not considered. Whilst Smith and Shaw argue that the VSM is not a PSM, the characterisation of the VSM presented in this short communication suggests that in terms of the thirteen questions posed by these authors, that indeed, the VSM can be viewed as PSM.

Suggested Citation

  • Harwood, Stephen A., 2019. "A question of interpretation: The Viable System Model (VSM)," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 274(3), pages 1198-1201.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ejores:v:274:y:2019:i:3:p:1198-1201
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2018.10.054
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lara Bartocci Liboni & Luciana Cezarino & Adriana Cristina Ferreira Caldana & Omar Sacilotto Donaires, 2015. "Diagnosing Failure in an Organizational Strategic Alliance for New Product Development," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(6), pages 721-734, November.
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    3. Espinosa, Angela & Walker, J., 2013. "Complexity management in practice: A Viable System Model intervention in an Irish eco-community," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 225(1), pages 118-129.
    4. Espinosa, A. & Harnden, R. & Walker, J., 2008. "A complexity approach to sustainability - Stafford Beer revisited," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 187(2), pages 636-651, June.
    5. Espinosa, Angela & Reficco, Ezequiel & Martínez, Andrea & Guzmán, David, 2015. "A methodology for supporting strategy implementation based on the VSM: A case study in a Latin-American multi-national," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 240(1), pages 202-212.
    6. Espejo, Raul, 1996. "Requirements for effective participation in self-constructed organizations," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 14(4), pages 414-422, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Maren Berge Vik & Hanne Finnestrand & Robert L. Flood, 2022. "Systemic Problem Structuring in a Complex Hospital Environment using Viable System Diagnosis – Keeping the Blood Flowing," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 35(2), pages 203-226, April.
    2. Stephen Harwood, 2021. "Introducing the VIPLAN Methodology (with VSM) for Handling Messy Situations – Nine Lessons," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 34(6), pages 635-668, December.
    3. Lowe, David & Espinosa, Angela & Yearworth, Mike, 2020. "Constitutive rules for guiding the use of the viable system model: Reflections on practice," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 287(3), pages 1014-1035.
    4. Alexandre de A. Gomes Júnior & Vanessa B. Schramm, 2022. "Problem Structuring Methods: A Review of Advances Over the Last Decade," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 35(1), pages 55-88, February.
    5. Sydelko, Pamela & Espinosa, Angela & Midgley, Gerald, 2024. "Designing interagency responses to wicked problems: A viable system model board game," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 312(2), pages 746-764.

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