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Reflections on service systems boundaries: A viable systems perspective

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  • Barile, Sergio
  • Saviano, Marialuisa
  • Polese, Francesco
  • Di Nauta, Primiano

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to propose a systems interpretation of the concept of complexity and its implications for a theoretical discussion of the concept of boundary in complex service systems. The proposal highlights the interpretative contribution of a dual perspective of observation that distinguishes between a structure-based view and a systems-based view. When dealing with complexity, the phenomenon under investigation cannot be addressed through management approaches that aim to measure and control it in a vain attempt to find the best solution. Due to the inner nature of complexity, a more rewarding approach to a full understanding of problematic situations should place consolidated management models within a more general interpretation framework that suggests preliminary insights about the real nature of the investigated phenomenon.

Suggested Citation

  • Barile, Sergio & Saviano, Marialuisa & Polese, Francesco & Di Nauta, Primiano, 2012. "Reflections on service systems boundaries: A viable systems perspective," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 30(5), pages 451-465.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eurman:v:30:y:2012:i:5:p:451-465
    DOI: 10.1016/j.emj.2012.05.004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John H. Miller & Scott E. Page, 2007. "Social Science in Between, from Complex Adaptive Systems: An Introduction to Computational Models of Social Life," Introductory Chapters, in: Complex Adaptive Systems: An Introduction to Computational Models of Social Life, Princeton University Press.
    2. Vargo, Stephen L. & Maglio, Paul P. & Akaka, Melissa Archpru, 2008. "On value and value co-creation: A service systems and service logic perspective," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 26(3), pages 145-152, June.
    3. Barile, Sergio & Pels, Jaqueline & Polese, Francesco & Saviano, Marialuisa, 2012. "An introduction to the viable systems approach and its contribution to marketing," jbm - Journal of Business Market Management, Free University Berlin, Marketing Department, vol. 5(2), pages 54-78.
    4. John H. Miller & Scott E. Page, 2007. "Complexity in Social Worlds, from Complex Adaptive Systems: An Introduction to Computational Models of Social Life," Introductory Chapters, in: Complex Adaptive Systems: An Introduction to Computational Models of Social Life, Princeton University Press.
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    Cited by:

    1. Michael Walker, 2017. "The Search for Viability: A practitioner's view of how the Viable Systems Model is helping transform English local government (and why it has passed unrecognised)," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(3), pages 313-334, May.
    2. Gummesson, Evert & Mele, Cristina & Polese, Francesco, 2013. "Editorial: The 2013 Naples Forum on Service," jbm - Journal of Business Market Management, Free University Berlin, Marketing Department, vol. 6(4), pages 1-1.
    3. Razmdoost, Kamran & Alinaghian, Leila & Chandler, Jennifer D. & Mele, Cristina, 2023. "Service ecosystem boundary and boundary work," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    4. Marialuisa Saviano & Primiano Di Nauta & Marta Maria Montella & Fabiana Sciarelli, 2018. "The Cultural Value of Protected Areas as Models of Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-19, May.
    5. Simmonds, Hamish & Gazley, Aaron & Kaartemo, Valtteri & Renton, Michelle & Hooper, Val, 2021. "Mechanisms of service ecosystem emergence: Exploring the case of public sector digital transformation," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 137(C), pages 100-115.
    6. Francesco Polese & Luca Carrubbo & Francesco Caputo & Debora Sarno, 2018. "Managing Healthcare Service Ecosystems: Abstracting a Sustainability-Based View from Hospitalization at Home (HaH) Practices," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-15, October.
    7. Perano, Mirko & Casali, Gian Luca & Liu, Yulin & Abbate, Tindara, 2021. "Professional reviews as service: A mix method approach to assess the value of recommender systems in the entertainment industry," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 169(C).
    8. Saviano, Marialuisa & Di Nauta, Primiano & Montella, Marta Maria & Sciarelli, Fabiana, 2018. "Managing protected areas as cultural landscapes: The case of the Alta Murgia National Park in Italy," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 290-299.

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