The Systems Paradigm in Organization Theory: Correcting the Record and Suggesting the Future.

ORGANIZATIONAL sociology; PARADIGMS (Social sciences); ORGANIZATIONAL research; SYSTEMS theory; INDUSTRIAL sociology; SOCIAL science research; SYSTEMS design; ORGANIZATIONAL structure; OPEN systems (Physics); BOULDING, Kenneth E. (Kenneth Ewart), 1910-1993

Two mistaken beliefs have appeared repeatedly in the organization theory literature concerning application of the systems paradigm to organizations. This paper identities and corrects these beliefs. Three opportunities for using the systems paradigm to further the development of organization theory have been overlooked. The paper identifies these opportunities and suggests how they can be exploited. Finally, the authors note that recent advances in organization theory could enrich the paradigm, making it more useful for organization research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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