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Systems Perspective ¶
- Not just a theory, but a collection of theories that share common assumptions and concepts, which is why it is named as "perspective" rather than "theory".
- Its scope includes all kinds of communication such as interpersonal, group, organizational, and mass communication.
- Developed heavily by the work of the Palo Alto Group.
Assumptions of the System Perspective ¶
- Communication is the means by which systems are created and sustained (Monge, 1973).
- Systems include (1) system members; (2) sub-systems; and (3) supra-system. And System theory or System perspective studies the mutual influences and relationships among the three.
- System members . . . A system is a group of individuals who inter-relate to form a whole -- e.g., a family, a work group, a sports team, etc.
- Subsystem . . . Systems may be embedded in hierarchy. Subsystem is a smaller part of the group as a whole (system) -- e.g., parents in a family; defense line in a football team.
- Supra-system . . . is the larger system within which systems and sub-systems operates and interact -- e.g., NFL (National Football League) is a supra-system for an individual football team.
- System members . . . A system is a group of individuals who inter-relate to form a whole -- e.g., a family, a work group, a sports team, etc.
- The whole is greater than the sum of its parts (Fisher, 1978). A system is not just a sum of individuals. It may exert more power than sum of its members' power.
- e.g., A football team may not have significant football player. But, they do good in games because the team works as a team.
- e.g., A football team may not have significant football player. But, they do good in games because the team works as a team.
- This kind of ability -- the team works as a team -- is called positive synergy. The other way may occur -- Negative synergy which means that the group may achieve less than the individual parts would suggest.
- Nonsummativity occurs because of interdependency between members. Interdependency means that all system members are dependent on all other system members -- e.g., If one group members does not work his/her part, the whole group may not achieve its goal.
- Homeostasis refers to the natural balance or equilibrium within groups. It is a tendency for a given system to maintain its stability in the face of change (outer stimuli).
- Equifinality suggests that there are multiple way to achieve the same goal.
- Increasing revenues by 10 percent can be achieved by
- laying-out the workforces
- selling more products
- reducing manufacturing costs
- developing a new product
- etc.
- laying-out the workforces
- Increasing revenues by 10 percent can be achieved by
