Organisational cybernetics: A systems thinking method used for small and medium enterprises

• Published in: Acta commercii 2023-03, Vol.23 (1), p.1-10
• Main Authors: Bugwandin, Vinay, Bayat, Mohamed S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Business; Cybernetics; Economics; Industrial Relations & Labor; management; Methods; organisational cybernetics; Small and medium sized companies; Strategy; Systems thinking; Viable systems model
• ISSN: 2413-1903; 1684-1999; 1684-1999
• DOI: 10.4102/ac.v23i1.1092

Orientation Systems thinking stems from the Twenties and has constantly developed over the years in assisting sectors in operations, management and the environment in checking for interdependencies, interconnections and coherence in all aspects of the elements inputted. In particular, the viable systems model in organisational cybernetics of systems thinking can be considered as a tool used for validating elements and being goal-oriented in nature.Research purpose The purpose of this research is to showcase the role and influence that the viable systems model in organisation cybernetics has in a study conducted on small and medium enterprises.Motivation for the study In the business world, there is a profound need for organisations to ensure that process flows are maintained to achieve sustainability. The systems thinking approach ensures that process flows are maintained; however, they have proven to be robust in validating elements and achieving goals. In this regard, this study encourages organisations to embrace and utilise systems thinking approaches to improve productivity and, ultimately, sustainability.Research design, approach and method In conjunction with the mixed methodology approach, namely the Statistical Package for Social Sciences for quantitative research and NVivo for qualitative research, the viable systems model in organisational cybernetics was used in this empirical study.Main findings The core element of