Young, O. R. (1964). A Survey of General Systems Theory. General Systems, Vol. 9.
Four Categories of General Systems Theory Concepts as Described by Young:
1. Systemic and Descriptive Factors
Here we are dealing with concepts that
make important distinctions, classify large
quantities of data in relevant ways, and
outline the basic structure and processes
of various types of systems. The concepts
deal with types of systems, the internal
organization of systems, and systems and
their surroundings.
1.1 open and closed systems
1.2 organismic and non-organismic systems
1.3 subsystem (general purpose)
1.4 subsystem (special purpose)
1.5 state determined system
1.5.1 state
1.6 equifinality
1.7 boundaries and environment
1.8 field
1.9 orders of interaction
1.10 isolation and interaction
1.11 interdependence & independence
1.12 integration & differentiation
1.13 centralization & decentralization
1.31.1 centralized system
1.13.2 leading part
2. Regulation and Maintenance
The concepts under consideration here
deal with the regulation, control, and
stabilization of systems.
2.1 stability
2.11 ultra-stable system
2.12 multi-stable system
2.2 equilibrium
2.21 stable / unstable equilibrium
2.3 feedback
2.31 negative feedback
2.32 positive feedback
2.33 goal-seeking behavior
2.34 goal-changing behavior
2.35 amplification feedback
2.4 homeostasis & self-regulation
2.5 steady state maintenance
2.6 control
2.7 negative entropy
2.8 repair & reproduction
2.9 communication
3. Dynamics and Change
These factors deal with problems of
non-disruptive change, responses to
altered environmental conditions, and
internally generated processes of change.
3.1 adaptation
3.11 goal-seeking feedback
3.12 goal changing feedback
3.13 plasticity
3.14 elasticity
3.2 learning
3.3 growth
3.31 simple growth
3.32 population growth
3.33 structural growth
3.4 change
3.41 reversible change
3.42 irreversible change
3.5 teleology
3.6 goal
3.7 dynamism & dynamics
4. Decline and Breakdown
This final group of concepts emphasizes
problems of disruption, dissolution and
breakdown in systems.
4.1 stress
4.2 disturbance
4.3 overload
4.4 positive entropy
4.5 decay
(Young, 1964)
© Mary E. Hopper [MEHopper] |
MEHopper@TheWorld.com
[posted 01/01/01 | revised 02/02/02]