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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).

System
  • 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.

Nonsummativity
  • 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.
  • 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.

Interdependency
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.


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