Adaptive human systems

How does systems theory apply to human systems? Bertalanffy (2015) stated, “Social science is the science of social systems” (p. 195). While humans introduce unique variables—consciousness, values, choice, and culture—these broaden the framework’s applicability (p. 195). Unlike natural sciences focused on physical entities, social sciences address “human beings and their self-created universe of culture” (p. 197), where values transcend the physical.

Bertalanffy’s biological organism metaphor, refined by Katz and Kahn (1978) for organizational development, portrays organizations as complex open systems. Internal components and subsystems dynamically interact within boundaries to ensure survival while exchanging resources with and adapting to the environment (Cummings & Worley, 2020, p. 52). This open systems model underpins organizational behavior (McShane & Von Glinow, 2021). 

This dynamic process involves inputs (resources from the environment), processes (internal interactions), and outputs (influence on the environment). Subsystems—individuals, groups, and processes—interact to maintain the organization. In stable environments, a steady state suffices; in dynamic ones, innovation and adaptation are critical for survival (Britt & Jex, 2015, p. 89). Changes within or outside the system can ripple unpredictably, as follows: 

• Pattern: Informal relationships within the culture define essential characteristics.
• Structure: Organizational charts depict the pattern’s embodiment.
• Process: People and technology interact to achieve goals while pursuing individual interests (McShane & Von Glinow, 2021, p. 34).
• Self-Making: People create processes and relationships to meet personal and organizational objectives.
• Dissipative Structure: Structurally open yet organizationally closed, the organization filters resources in and outputs products, strengthening internal and external relationships for survival.
• Cognition: Cultural assumptions and artifacts reflect a collective organizational mind (Cummings & Worley, 2020, p. 67).
• Adaptability: Recent systems research highlights adaptability as key to organizational resilience in turbulent environments (Smith & Lewis, 2022, p. 213).

In short, systems theory shows organizations as living systems, not just structures. Bertalanffy (2015) saw social science as studying human systems, where culture and choice matter more than physical rules. His organism metaphor, built on by Katz and Kahn (1978), frames organizations as open systems—people and groups interact, adapt, and use resources to survive. In calm times, they stay steady; in tough times, they innovate, as Britt and Jex (2015) note. Changes ripple through relationships, processes, and culture, shaping a shared mind (Cummings & Worley, 2020). Smith and Lewis (2022) prove adaptability keeps organizations strong, no matter the challenge.