Systems Approach To Management

Summary

This script introduces the concept of systems, highlighting its origin in the 1960s and its roots in physical sciences. It explains that systems consist of interrelated and interdependent parts, using examples like the human body, school, and family. The script differentiates between open and closed systems, with North Korea as an example of the latter. It emphasizes the importance of inputs, processes, and outputs in systems, and how they affect each other. The role of a manager in an organizational system is also discussed, stressing the need for coordination and integration to ensure the system functions effectively. The script concludes by stressing the interconnectedness of systems and the impact of decisions on the whole.

Takeaways

• 📚 The concept of systems approach originated in the 1960s, borrowed from physical sciences.
• 🧠 A system is a set of interrelated and interdependent parts that work together to form a unified whole.
• 🌐 Open systems are those that interact dynamically with their environment, influenced by external factors.
• 🔒 Closed systems are rare and do not interact or are not influenced by the environment, exemplified by North Korea.
• 🔄 Inputs, processes, and outputs are interconnected within a system, influencing each other.
• 🍔 An example of a system is the human body, where inputs (food) are transformed into outputs (energy, fats), which ideally should feedback to change inputs.
• 👨‍💼 A manager's role in an organizational system is to coordinate and integrate the work activities of various parts to ensure smooth operation.
• 🔄 The output of a system can provide feedback to the input, which can enhance the process and overall system performance.
• ⚙️ The importance of coordination in an organization is emphasized, as decisions in one area can affect others.
• 🤔 The concept of viewing a system as a whole is crucial, as neglecting any part can impact the entire system's functionality.

Q & A

What is the concept of systems approach?

The systems approach is a concept that originated in the 1960s, borrowed from physical sciences, which views a system as a set of interrelated and interdependent parts that work together to form a unified whole.

How is the human body an example of a system?

The human body is an example of a system where different parts like the eyes and brain are interrelated and interdependent; the eyes cannot function well without the brain, and similarly, other organs rely on each other for the body to function properly.

What are the two types of systems mentioned in the script?

The two types of systems mentioned are open systems, which dynamically interact with the environment, and closed systems, which do not interact or are not influenced by the environment.

Can you provide an example of a closed system from the script?

An example of a closed system given in the script is North Korea, where nothing goes in and nothing comes out, illustrating a system that is not influenced by or does not interact with the environment.

What are the three parts of an organizational system as depicted in the diagram?

The three parts of an organizational system are inputs, process, and output. Inputs affect the process, which in turn affects the output, and the output can provide feedback to the input.

How does the example of eating junk food illustrate the concept of system feedback?

The example of eating junk food shows that the body (the system) processes the food (input) and converts it into fat (output). Ideally, the presence of fat should act as feedback to change the eating habits (input), but in this case, it doesn't, illustrating a system where feedback is not effectively utilized.

What is the role of a manager in an organizational system?

A manager's role in an organizational system is to coordinate and integrate the work activities of the various parts of the organization, ensuring that the system runs smoothly by managing the quality of inputs, processes, and outputs.

Why is coordination within an organization essential according to the script?

Coordination within an organization is essential because everything in the system is interdependent. Decisions and actions in one area can affect other areas, so a manager must consider the entire system to ensure proper functioning.

What is the implication of a system being interdependent?

The implication of a system being interdependent is that changes or issues in a small part of the system can affect the entire system, emphasizing the need for comprehensive management and attention to every part of the system.

How does the script suggest one can become a good manager?

The script suggests that becoming a good manager involves understanding the system as a whole, ensuring all parts function well, and being able to coordinate and integrate various aspects of the organization effectively.