THE APPLICATION OF STAFFORD BEER'S VIABLE SYSTEMS MODEL TO STRATEGIC PLANNING

摘要

This paper outlines a sequence of management diagrams that demonstrate both the rationale of a specific Action Research change method and the underpinning structure of a strategic planning process. The diagrams are based on Stafford Beer's original drawings. However, as the required levels of understanding of any theory-based method vary, managers who follow the philosophy and methodology outlined will need to discover their own diagrams and levels of understanding that might apply to their own strategic planning platforms. While the paper is aimed at the upper levels of management its fundamental principles apply recursively at all hierarchical levels, the diagrams start at an elementary standard and aggregate to differing levels of complexity. Thus the diagram fundamentals are comprehensible for a broad range of employee competency levels.