Cybernetics in management thinking

In: Systems research, Band 1, Heft 1, S. 5-23

Abstract

AbstractCybernetic concepts provide a bridge between the theories of management which have evolved so far. Homeostasis, the law of necessary variety, the relativity of time, the nature of growth, heuristics, holism, synergy and autopoiesis are a few of the ideas which assist managers to understand the nature of management. Applying general systems theoretic to managerial activities reveals opportunities for the development of intelligent machines; the automation of decision making and the advent, after wise systems, of systems which simulate 'style', apply common sense and evince emotionality. Only the present high costs of such machines inhibits their application. Large managerial systems are seen as autopoietic, as living systems: Perhaps with minds of their own using humans, only as a resource, to achieve their equifinality.