MIHAJLO D. MESAROVIC, ROBERT ERLANDSON, DONALD MACKO and DAVID FLEMING
Satisfaction principle is introduced as a basis for explanation of the homeostatic behavior of biological organisms in changing environment. The principle is applied to explain…
Abstract
Satisfaction principle is introduced as a basis for explanation of the homeostatic behavior of biological organisms in changing environment. The principle is applied to explain the response of the eye‐tracking system which could not have been explained either by classical feedback approach or by using the optimization principle.
In view of the increased domain of application of the systems approach there is a need for reappraisal of its foundations and a sharpening of the basic systems concepts. This is…
Abstract
In view of the increased domain of application of the systems approach there is a need for reappraisal of its foundations and a sharpening of the basic systems concepts. This is done in the article on the basis of a general theory of systems developed within the set‐theory and related branches of abstract mathematics. Importance of the goal‐seeking representation of the systems behavior and the basic classification of large‐scale systems are briefly discussed.
MIHAJLO D. MESAROVIC and EDUARD C. PESTEL
Foundations for a new approach to modelling of critical world relationships are presented, based on the regionalization of the world and multilevel—multigoal concepts. The…
Abstract
Foundations for a new approach to modelling of critical world relationships are presented, based on the regionalization of the world and multilevel—multigoal concepts. The fundamental structure of the model is described and the directions for further developments indicated. Areas of possible applications of the model both for the analysis of these critical relationships and as a decision‐making tool are discussed.
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Vincent Ferraro, Elizabeth Doherty and Barbara Cassani
It has been generally assumed that, although there may be material costs to the entire world which result from any attempt to eliminate global poverty through development, the…
Abstract
It has been generally assumed that, although there may be material costs to the entire world which result from any attempt to eliminate global poverty through development, the only costs associated with the continued existence of poverty are human ones, costs which are borne primarily by the poor themselves. This article is a review of the literature on development and resource use; its primary purpose is to investigate the extent to which analysts have tested this assumption—that is, the extent to which they have addressed the issue of the material costs engendered by the perpetuation of global poverty. Its conclusion is that no systematic analysis of this assumption has been conducted. However, there is a recognition of the resource costs of global poverty implicit in much of the literature on development and on resource use, and there is sufficient evidence to indicate that more detailed study of the relationship is warranted, since it is clear that the continued acceptance of global poverty entails significant costs for every member of the global community.
Change, and in particular intentional or desired change, has not been understood nor systematically studied. By applying concepts from complexity theory to intentional change…
Abstract
Purpose
Change, and in particular intentional or desired change, has not been understood nor systematically studied. By applying concepts from complexity theory to intentional change theory, the purpose of this paper is to provide a new level of insight into why and how sustainable desired change can occur at all levels of human/social interaction, from individual to teams to organizations to communities, countries and the globe.
Design/methodology/approach
Using research from over 30 years of longitudinal studies of individual and organizational change, the concepts are explored and implications proposed.
Findings
Sustainable, intentional change is on the whole discontinuous. It occurs through a series of five discoveries or emergence conditions. It is driven by the interplay of the positive and negative emotional attractor. It follows the described process at all fractals of human organization.
Research limitations/implications
Extensive empirical research has been done at the individual level, but only case studies at the organization and country levels.
Practical implications
Every person seeking to explore, understand, or facilitate sustainable, desired change can be helped by the model and understanding how it functions.
Originality/value
The theory of intentional change is relatively new to the literature, as is the use of complexity theory.