Observing Observers. Von Foerster, Luhmann and Management Thinking
Journal
Kybernetes
ISSN
0368-492X
ISSN-Digital
1758-7883
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2005
Author(s)
Beyes, Timon
Abstract
The paper discusses possible implications of Heinz von Foerster's notion of second-order cybernetics for management thinking. The purpose of this paper is to outline challenges of as well as
prospective further developments for management theory that emanate from second-order cybernetics. As a conceptual paper, the paper tries to develop its findings through theoretically applying von Foerster's insights to management thinking's conventional assumptions. When looking for applications of von Foerster's approach within the social sciences, at least in german-speaking countries one sooner or later comes across Niklas Luhmann's system sociology. Hence, Luhmann's version of the theory of the observer is introduced and its take on organization and management is briefly outlined. Drawing upon von Foerster's and Luhmann's reflections, possible implications for management thinking are presented - ideas that might be disagreeable for "classical" management science but might set out a path for further developments of management thinking.
prospective further developments for management theory that emanate from second-order cybernetics. As a conceptual paper, the paper tries to develop its findings through theoretically applying von Foerster's insights to management thinking's conventional assumptions. When looking for applications of von Foerster's approach within the social sciences, at least in german-speaking countries one sooner or later comes across Niklas Luhmann's system sociology. Hence, Luhmann's version of the theory of the observer is introduced and its take on organization and management is briefly outlined. Drawing upon von Foerster's and Luhmann's reflections, possible implications for management thinking are presented - ideas that might be disagreeable for "classical" management science but might set out a path for further developments of management thinking.
Language
English
Keywords
Cybernetics
Systems theory
Management science
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
Emerald
Publisher place
Bradford
Volume
34
Number
3/4
Start page
447
End page
459
Pages
13
Subject(s)
Eprints ID
49837