From the point of view of goals to be pursued, three kinds of system can be distinguished: (1) the teleonomic (or goal determined) system, which acts according to fixed goals, (2…
Abstract
From the point of view of goals to be pursued, three kinds of system can be distinguished: (1) the teleonomic (or goal determined) system, which acts according to fixed goals, (2) the teleozetic (or goal selecting) system, which is able to choose among a repertoire of goals and (3) the teleogenic (or goal generating) system which is able to generate (previously non‐existing) goals for its own activity. The aim of the paper is to explore the possibility for the existence (i.e. realization) of such systems. Therefore, the problems arising with systems description and prescription are outlined and some distinctions regarding goals and different modes of teleogenesis are proposed. After a hint at preliminary mathematical models and computer simulations the realization problem is briefly examined.
The problem of goal generation (teleogenesis) is addressed by the development of a system framework based upon the property of hemispheric lateralization of functions…
Abstract
The problem of goal generation (teleogenesis) is addressed by the development of a system framework based upon the property of hemispheric lateralization of functions. Micro‐information structure is examined to establish the role of replication in molecular, cellular and functional interactions. From the framework presented, conditions are derived under which output functions can be related to the evolution of the dichotic system and the inverse mappings between the system components. The holographic communication form is examined both in relation to the invertability requirement of the Fourier series and the source of the periodicity for an incident signal.
Only the elements of a theory of purposiveness are presented in this paper, the two main items being the effectiveness of a purpose with respect to a system and the generation of a…
Abstract
Only the elements of a theory of purposiveness are presented in this paper, the two main items being the effectiveness of a purpose with respect to a system and the generation of a purpose by a system. The author then gives some preliminary definitions and studies the PPG‐concept. The role of the body‐machine in the actualization of the PPG‐concept is discussed, the latter serving as a model of the theory of purposiveness. The paper concludes with a proposal concerning a system's systematization on the basis of its ability to passively follow or to actively select goals for itself. A normative theory has to be considered as a presupposition of the theory of purposiveness.
This paper will review aspects of current policy in mental health with specific reference to policy that has a values focus. In this context, values refers to the standards and…
Abstract
This paper will review aspects of current policy in mental health with specific reference to policy that has a values focus. In this context, values refers to the standards and expectations we hold and which we use to guide aspects of practice performance. Service users state that core values that support, respect choice, collaboration, and customer service are critical foundation stones of a trusting therapeutic relationship. Attending to these foundations for practice has merit in ensuring the quality of care delivery in mental health. This paper will analyse what this means for the mental health workforce in their engagement with service users and delivery of policy priorities. Finally, the paper will explore resources, such as the Ten Essential Shared Capabilities (see Appendix 1), which support engagement and ongoing promotion of person‐centred mental health care.
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Taste is defined in a variety of ways, and arises fromphysiological processes which are influenced by social factors.Explanations of taste therefore require information from…
Abstract
Taste is defined in a variety of ways, and arises from physiological processes which are influenced by social factors. Explanations of taste therefore require information from biological, sociological and cultural perspectives. Discusses the contribution made to our understanding of taste by the biological and social sciences, with reference to recent sociological and social anthropological research and writing. It argues that food is a particularly powerful medium for the realization of social relationships and the creation of individual identity. The social context therefore has an indirect but causal relationship with individual tastes. The cultural context is also crucial, as the socially constructed meaning of a food can influence taste perception itself. Explanations of taste therefore require an understanding of the social and cultural contexts of food‐related behaviour.
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The purpose of this paper is to propose that conceptions of time and future that are currently in use restrict the possibilities for framing decision making. By privileging the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose that conceptions of time and future that are currently in use restrict the possibilities for framing decision making. By privileging the notion of present moment over that of linear time, a more comprehensive framing of what it means to consider what influences our judgements. The ontology of the present moment provides a theoretical context for knowing what we can of the future in a more comprehensive way.
Design/methodology/approach
A review of ways of knowing the future that extends beyond linear assumptions of time leads to consideration of anticipatory systems and of the relationship between purpose and causality. It leads further into conjecture that the present moment is more ontologically fundamental than what we customarily refer to as past, present and future.
Findings
On this foundation, examination of experience of now reveals a multidimensionality which can include retrocausality, the possibility of the future influencing the present and the importance of latent patterning in determining events.
Research limitations/implications
The notion of the present moment has much in common with second order cybernetics and indicates a possible way of bringing systems thinking, especially boundary critique, to futures thinking and strategic decision making.
Practical implications
Although basically a theoretical paper, the framework does suggest possibilities for redesigning futures practice through using the present moment as a meta‐framing critique technique to reveal more clearly underlying assumptions in both futures studies and systems thinking.
Originality/value
In the context of a world where serious inability to see what is coming is pervasive in management and governance, a fresh look at fundamental assumptions may reveal flawed decision thinking and indicate ways of improvement.
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The purpose of this paper is to present a model concerning family business participation. The model can both be used to explain why somebody chooses to become a family business…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a model concerning family business participation. The model can both be used to explain why somebody chooses to become a family business member and how family entrepreneurs act inside their firms. In this paper the author will present a holistic, socio-cultural and constructivist model concerning entrepreneurship behaviour.
Design/methodology/approach
The model is based on field theory or the perceptions of human behaviour presented by Kurt Lewin. However, the model is expanded to include modern system theories and family business aspects. The author sees family business participation as an emerging behaviour in a complex social system. The central concept or construct, to help the author understand this emerging behaviour, is the psychological life space of the individual. It is not only family that affects the life space. This life space is affected by the current life situation, the past activities as well as the potential aspirations or “dreams” about the future.
Findings
A holistic, socio-cultural and constructivistic model is developed. It starts from the notion of a “psychological life space” construct, suggested by Kurt Lewin. The author has developed the concepts further, thereby expanding the area concerning entrepreneurship and modern theories of human behaviour by adding environment and culture to the model. The temporal dimension can be divided into three parts: i.e. the past (experience), the present (real-time) and the future (aspirations). All actions and changes happen in the present, although they are affected by the past and the aspirations for the future. These three parts will continually affect the individual's decision making. In other words the life space is never static, but constantly changing over time Thus, an individual's choice to enter, expand or exit a family business can be explained by the complex relationship between realistic and unrealistic views of the past, present and the future.
Research limitations/implications
It is only a model. However, it can cast new light on the understanding of how family businesses work and could transfer knowledge to the next generation of the family business.
Practical implications
A better understanding of the development of the complex behavioural patterns and factors behind entrepreneurial family formation is given. This enables the author to design methods to explore and analyse individual life spaces. If the author would have such methods, the author might be able to see how and why individuals’ behaviour becomes family entrepreneurially oriented, thereby giving use effective ways and new instruments to support growth and stability in our society.
Originality/value
The field theory, or as it has also been named, topological psychology, has been more or less forgotten for a long time, or overshadowed by other theories of human behaviour. However, according to Martin Gold (1999), Lewin has in recent years again become one of the most frequently quoted social researchers. The paper contributes in this process by applying it to a family business context.
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Anders Kjellman and Mikael Ehrsten
How can we foster entrepreneurship? This was one of the basic questions to ask when we, like many others, started to consider different approaches concerning how to motivate…
Abstract
How can we foster entrepreneurship? This was one of the basic questions to ask when we, like many others, started to consider different approaches concerning how to motivate students to become interested in entrepreneurship. We soon became puzzled by the theoretical approaches to entrepreneurship. Something seemed to be lacking, for example, the important question of how should one educate entrepreneurs? However, as noticed by Landström (2000) and Sundnäs, Kjellam and Eriksson (2002), it is through the expansion of the theoretical roots of entrepreneurship, i.e. from the economic, behavioural and business studies to multidisciplinary research, that the picture becomes more understandable, albeit more complex.
Rosie Gloster, Jonathan Buzzeo, Annette Cox, Christine Bertram, Arianna Tassinari, Kelly Ann Schmidtke and Ivo Vlaev
The purpose of this paper is to explore the behavioural determinants of work-related benefits claimants’ training behaviours and to suggest ways to improve claimants’ compliance…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the behavioural determinants of work-related benefits claimants’ training behaviours and to suggest ways to improve claimants’ compliance with training referrals.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 Jobcentre Plus staff and training providers, and 60 claimants. Claimants were sampled based on whether or not they had been mandated to training and whether or not they subsequently participated. Along with general findings, differences between these groups are highlighted.
Findings
Claimants’ behaviours are affected by their capabilities, opportunities, and motivations in interrelated ways. Training programmes should appreciate this to better ensure claimants’ completion of training programmes.
Originality/value
Whilst past papers have largely examined a limited number of factors that affect claimants’ training behaviours, this report offers a synchronised evaluation of all the behavioural factors that affect claimants’ training behaviours.
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Anjali Patwardhan and Prakash Patwardhan
In the recent climate of consumerism and consumer focused care, health and social care needs to be more responsive than ever before. Consumer needs and preferences can be elicited…
Abstract
Purpose
In the recent climate of consumerism and consumer focused care, health and social care needs to be more responsive than ever before. Consumer needs and preferences can be elicited with accepted validity and reliability only by strict methodological control, customerisation of the questionnaire and skilled interpretation. To construct, conduct, interpret and implement improved service provision, requires a trained work force and infrastructure. This article aims to appraise various aspects of consumer surveys and to assess their value as effective service improvement tools.
Design/methodology/approach
The customer is the sole reason organisations exist. Consumer surveys are used worldwide as service and quality of care improvement tools by all types of service providers including health service providers. The article critically appraises the value of consumer surveys as service improvement tools in health services tool and its future applications.
Findings
No one type of survey is the best or ideal. The key is the selection of the correct survey methodology, unique and customised for the particular type/aspect of care being evaluated. The method used should reflect the importance of the information required.
Research limitations/implications
Methodological rigor is essential for the effectiveness of consumer surveys as service improvement tools. Unfortunately so far there is no universal consensus on superiority of one particular methodology over another or any benefit of one specific methodology in a given situation. More training and some dedicated resource allocation is required to develop consumer surveys. More research is needed to develop specific survey methodology and evaluation techniques for improved validity and reliability of the surveys as service improvement tools. Measurement of consumer preferences/priorities, evaluation of services and key performance scores, is not easy.
Practical implications
Consumer surveys seem impressive tools as they provide the customer a voice for change or modification. However, from a scientific point‐of‐view their credibility in service improvement in terms of reproducibility, reliability and validity, has remained debatable.
Originality/value
This artcile is a critical appraisal of the value of consumer surveys as a service improvement tool in health services – a lesson which needs to be learnt.