General Systems Theory - Literature review Example

? General Systems Theory Systems theory promises to assist unify information systems by linking itto other fields. By facilitating trans-disciplinary happenings, systems theory gives legitimacy to the spanning of disciplinary boundaries (Dua & Gangopadhyay 2012). System thinking and systems theory assists the researchers in addressing complex problems. A system can be defined as a set of elements which are interrelated. In the case of information systems, the elements are all the users, computers (both hardware and software) and organizational processes (Dwivedi & Wade 2011). According to Dwivedi and Wade, a process is essentially a set of behaviors that incorporates a system and whose aim is to achieve a goal. A system consists of elements which have many and relevant properties. These elements are not part of the system, but in case they are removed or changed then the state of the system will be changed or altered. This paper focuses uniquely on emergence and connectivity system theory concepts as they applied in the information systems. The benefits of information systems include personnel and inventory reduction. Tangible benefits include improved processes, visibility and standardization. The benefits can also be classified as strategic, financial, tactical and operational. Organizational systems provide the environment for the information systems (Stair & Reynolds 2011). According to Stair & Reynolds, the information systems are different from the organizations in which they are embedded. Information systems are purposive systems. Organizations are systems which are purposeful (Hua & Bapna 2009). Hua & Bapna urge that, in case of a purposive system, there are multiple goals, which are different but they are under a common property. Information systems offer considerable help in packaging and processing organizational systems. The purpose of an information system is the production that comes from that property, (Stair & Reynolds 2011). Purposeful systems can produce same outcomes in many and different ways. A purposeful system should be able to change its goals given or under constant conditions. In the case of an information system, even the observer is part of the system. Therefore, the boundary of an information system varies. In this case, the observer can be a manager, customer, etc. we must view an information system as an element of a bigger system. Information systems play an extremely prominent role in the running of an organization (Knight & Halkett 2010). An organization is a system which consists of subsystems which are distinct but correspond to each other. While considering information systems it is crucial to take note of how the general systems theory promotes the purpose and understanding of information systems, (Stair & Reynolds 2011). Considering the above definition, information systems can be conceptualized and thought of as control systems. They can also be viewed as subsystems that give common meaning or purpose to a system which is part of a bigger system (Knight & Halkett 2010). This definition carries more value and representation than the other definitions. It also shows the modern role of information systems. General system theory and information systems General systems theory (GST) can be applied to information systems (IS). General systems theory consists of four concepts that help to define any system. These are emergence, control, hierarchy and communication. Emergence refers to the process by which new structures and properties are derived in complex systems. This happens when elements of a system interact over a period of time. Hierarchy refers to a collection of stages or levels which are arranged according to the level of detail or complexity. This is demonstrated through systems and subsystems. When information is being processed in organization systems, it is planned, processed and displayed according to these hierarchies. This saves time for the organization. The communication is the process by which information is passed from the central system to its elements. Control is a concept which is demonstrated when an element of a system controls other elements of a subsystem. Subsystem behavior is critical for the attainment of goals within the subsystem. General systems theory is placed in the middle of the essence of information systems. General systems theory (GST) works through reductionism (Knight & Halkett 2010). This is a concept where complex things or phenomenon are understood by means of breaking them into smaller parts and then making an effort to understand those smaller parts. These smaller parts are perceived as manageable and easy to deal with in and information systems. General systems theory can be viewed as an effort that results in analysis and not in synthesis. General systems theory has different impacts on information systems. This is because information systems are different by design and purpose (Stair & Reynolds 2011). However, general systems theory (GST) aims at making information systems more effective and productive. The piecemeal approach to systems theory is not fully beneficial. This is avoided by intentionally failing to choose a certain facet of the systems theory while dealing with the information systems. General systems theory aims at defining and establishing wide areas within an information system which the GST can add value (Knight & Halkett 2010). Therefore, general systems theory has two principal relevancies in information systems. The first is to introduce organization knowledge in information systems field. The next step involves applying some of the concepts of the general systems theory. The aim here is to make the general systems theory improve the performance and the quality offered by information systems. The positive value of system theory concepts in information systems: Emergence: Information system field has displayed phenomenal achievements in the field emergence. This is the rise of new effective structures, with superior properties and new forms of organizations. These structures aim at introducing new solutions in organizations. Processing and distributing information with an aim of simplifying tasks has led to increase in profits. Emergence and discovery are related. Emergence can be viewed as a form of innovation through information systems. The emergent properties of a system are not introduced by a single part of an entity of a system. They are introduced by interactions of many subsystems. The result is improved service delivery. The aim of information systems to unify information processes in an organization. The concepts of general systems theory helps in demonstrating the applicability of general systems theory in information systems. Emergence is a concept that helps organizations to evolve in a dynamic environment (Knight & Halkett 2010). This is because it emergence is based on the current need of the solutions and how they facilitate organizational effectiveness. The concept of emergence of is almost endless. In any environment, an organization must remain relevant by adapting to the changing needs. Environmental dynamism: The organizational environment is made up of multiple aspects, which influence each other. This causes the boundaries of an organization to keep on changing (Dua & Gangopadhyay 2012). The concept of environmental dynamism can be tied to emergence. Many perceive the environmental changes to be an automatic expansion. However, changes in system boundaries do not necessarily represent expansion. The reality is that this dynamism keeps excluding some entities which are perceived to be old. This may also involve dropping old technologies. This paves a way for replacement with new technologies. Emergence can be triggered by environmental dynamism, (Stair & Reynolds 2011). Growth in information technology can trigger both emergence and environmental dynamism. Innovation renders old technology redundant or irrelevant. These changes unsettle the environmental boundaries of information systems. As changes in boundaries happen, then the bounded content is affected. This means the content also changes. Information systems field should also expected to keep changing to adjust to the environmental needs. Connectivity: Different entities in a system interact and relate with each other to enhance the survival of a system. These connections give rise to the behavior of the system (Stair & Reynolds 2011). This also influence how information in relayed within the system and the organization at large. While dealing with information systems, these connections can be either informal or formal. However, they are a positive aspect of information systems. They facilitate team work and performance at both a technological level or even at the human resource level (Dua & Gangopadhyay 2012). They include interdepartmental connections in large organizations, (Stair & Reynolds 2011). Therefore, concepts of general system theory add direct value to information systems. Most of this value can be trace to the survival of successful organizations. Knight and Halkett explain that they also cushion organization from dynamic environments and facilitate effectiveness. The importance of system theory concepts in the effectiveness of information systems cannot be understated. The intensity and the extent of connectivity influence the ability of a system to adapt. This means that strong connectivity in necessary for a system to perform. Connectivity can be much or little. When connectivity increases, there are constraints added to it. Less connectivity could mean less capability of an information system. To optimize connectivity, there is a need to strike a healthy balance with regard to connectivity. In conclusion, the concepts of general system theory give relevance to information system. They make it easy to point out the benefits of information systems. There are multiple general systems theory concepts that show the workability of information systems. Most of them relate to creating a profitable environment for the effectiveness of an information system. The positive aspects of an information system must be explained in view of the general system theory concepts. The ability of an information system to demonstrate positive use of system theory concepts makes the system easy to understand, analyze and improve. The solutions offered by information systems range from fast information and data processing to proper keeping of databases and inventory information. This paper refers to these solutions as system’s visible positive results. However, the real progress in information system must be seen in its ability to connect to its subsystems and environment. It must be seen in its capability to emerge, communicate and control all its elements with harmony while assuring satisfactory results. This is how concepts of general system theory interact with information system to achieve positive results. References Dua, S., & Gangopadhyay, A. 2012. Information Systems, Technology and Management: 6th International Conference, ICISTM 2012, Grenoble, France, March 28-30. Proceedings 1st ed. Springer. Dwivedi, Y. K., & Wade, M. R. 2011. Information Systems Theory: Explaining and Predicting Our Digital Society, Volume 1 1st ed. Springer. Hua, J., & Bapna, S. 2009 Optimal Investment in Information System Security: A Game Theoretical Approach, 11, 23. Knight, S, & Halkett, G. B. 2010. 21st Australasian Conference on Information Systems. Living Systems, Complexity & Information Systems Science, 11, 1-6. Stair R., & Reynolds, G. 2011. Principles of Information Systems 10th ed. Cengage Learning. Read More