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Reflections on Adequate System Variety

In: Systemic Management for Intelligent Organizations

Author

Listed:
  • René Zeier

    (Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts)

Abstract

This article puts forward the idea that a moderate level of variety can keep a system more viable and healthy, thereby enabling it to develop further, irrespective of the scope of its external variety. The concept of reasonable dosage dates back to the sixteenth century, when Paracelsus (1493–1541) first offered his insights into the notion of adequate dosage. He suggested that the consumption of anything in quantities that were either too much or too little was poisonous. This lesson from early modern medicine will be applied to the use of systems thinking. The brief cases described in this chapter are meant to stimulate thoughts about what ‘adequate’ can mean in the context of system variety, and how more sustainable levels of system variety can be established. The general idea of adequate system variety will be further examined from a business perspective. Examples will show how successful organizations often tacitly embrace the idea of adequate variety.

Suggested Citation

  • René Zeier, 2012. "Reflections on Adequate System Variety," Springer Books, in: Stefan N. Grösser & René Zeier (ed.), Systemic Management for Intelligent Organizations, edition 127, chapter 0, pages 227-236, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-642-29244-6_13
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-29244-6_13
    as

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