Following is an annotated set of teaching notes for an introduction to systems theory, including open and closed communication systems. Updated Fall 2008
A system
is a set of interacting units
that endures through time
within an established boundary
by responding and adjusting
to change pressures from the environment
to achieve and maintain goal states (p229; Effective Public Relations 8e)
Environmental Change
- information
- action
- relationships
(organizational theory)
System = organized set of interacting parts (subsystems)
Each subsystem affects other subsystems awa total organization
Common subsystems w/in most organizations
- Management subsystem (oversight, control, policy, decision-making)
- Boundary subsystems (i.e. Public relations, supporting both management & organizational subsystems)
- Production subsystems (manufacturing, service)
- Disposal subsystems (distribution, sales, service delivery)
- Maintenance subsystems (personnel, development)
- Adaptive subsystems (research, planning)
Organizations typically develop a formal communication/public relations subsystem when they realize increasing impact (consequence) between organization and its publics
Input = Incoming information identifying problem (loss of equilibrium with interpenetrating systems within the environment)
Throughput = Processing of information
Output = Response from organization; outgoing messages to restore equilibrium; creates new equilibrium. Proactive or reactive
Feedback = Response from environment; indication if problem has been solved
Feedback linked to Cybernetics: Communication that helps a source control a receiver's behavior
"Thermostat" (analogy furnace)
- rooted in environmental effects
- initiated by environment (room temperature)
- responsive to environment
Closed Systems
- impermeable boundaries
- can't exchange matter, energy or information w/ environments
Open Systems
- permeable boundaries
- can/do exchange via inputs & throughputs
Continuum (not either/or)
Closed v/ Open
Internal orientation / External orientation
Self-contained / Part of wide environment
Self-sufficient / Dependent on environment
Internal accountability / Public accountability
Functional communication / Persuasive communication
Efficient / Innovation
Elitist / Egalitarian
Conservative / Adaptive
Centralized /Autonomous
Self-interest /Responsibility
Power / Conflict resolution
Seek control / Seek understanding
People as customers / People as publics
Authoritarian management / Interpersonal management
Workers do as told / Workers cooperate toward goal
Stable environment / Turbulent environment
Simple expectations / Expanding expectations
Few boundary spanners / Increasing boundary spanners