METASYSTEM PATHOLOGIES: TOWARDS A SYSTEMS-BASED CONSTRUCT FOR COMPLEX SYSTEM DEFICIENCIES

摘要

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of metasystem pathology in the context of problem formulation for systems-based approaches designed to enhance complex system governance. Despite numerous proclamations regarding the importance of problem formulation, it appears that there is relatively little research regarding identification of metasystem pathologies. A possible extension of the research literature is to introduce systems theory (laws, principles, and theorems governing systems) and management cybernetics (science of effective organization) to further understanding of pathologies in complex system governance. Specifically, this paper is concerned with how systems theory and management cybernetics can be merged to identify pathologies (circumstances, conditions, factors, patterns, and issues) acting to limit expected performance at the metasystem level. A multidisciplinary literature review illustrates an important contribution of thinking in terms of systems pathology. The paper concludes with implications and future research directions.