Search results

The paper aims to investigate the link between models and system results. It looks at fundamental principles underlying social activities and strives to understand the logical role of models in social governing. Based on these a heuristic is assembled enabling the recognition of the specific contribution formal models can provide for social contexts and also for recognizing the limitations that apply.

The heuristic is developed based on first principles of systems theory and cybernetics with particular consideration of managerial cybernetics. It starts with the assumption that human cognition roots in an autopoietic process from which individual “realities” and Weltanschauungen evolve. Interaction then leads human actors to adopt social system notions through which they initiate and constantly reconcile the implementation of their commonly aspired purposes. With system structures, it is referred to how actors relate to each other in governing – which is a key to learning about what models can contribute. Therefore, the concept of system structure is derived from interaction and rooted in the social system notion distinguishing aspects of structural capacity that pre‐condition the implementation of desired social outcomes. Subsequently, a logical anatomy of system notions is revealed and expressed with a set of invariant systemic topics necessary when being addressed in governing.

The paper finds a heuristic for identifying the contribution formal models provide to the governance of social systems and recognition of the benefits and limitations specific models provide to governing. Conclusions are drawn on the pre‐conditions securing sustained organizational development through the application of formal models.

The heuristic assembled in this paper facilitates the harmonization and alignment of models in governance settings. The recognition of the role of models in social governing is identified as a logical pre‐condition of sustainable governance. The heuristic presented facilitates assessing and optimizing governing structures with respect to those pre‐conditions.

A central question of governance in our time is how actors in complex, diverse and dynamic contexts can be harmonized, respecting the needs and limitations of their contexts. New technologies enable shaping and modelling interactions to an extent hitherto unknown. They constitute a huge potential to support and integrate interactions and to reshape governance. This paper sets out to explore a concept of interaction applicable to media which captures and addresses the specific characteristics of social systems required to ensure their viability.

The potential of cybernetics and systems theory for both the design and application of media in social contexts is explored. Building on an autopoietic concept of social systems, a notion of governance as a process of interaction is established. Beer's Viable Systems Model (VSM) and Schwaninger's Model of Systemic Control is applied to derive the characteristic elements, configurations and types of interaction required to support balancing actors' images in social systems. Links to political and social science theory are provided.

Cybernetic and system theories provide a solid conceptual basis for capturing the complexity, dynamics and diversity of interaction. Identifying and addressing the relevant characteristics of interaction in social systems can be achieved through the application of cybernetic tools and vocabulary. These can be used to specify and secure the necessary and sufficient design principles for media through which the viability of social systems can be promoted.

The paper shows that requirements to the structure of media applied in social contexts can be specified. Analysing interactions in all kind of social systems does provide clues for the development, implementation, and configuration of improved media. When applied properly, these can boost up governing interactions to much more productive and sustainable forms. This turns out to be a remarkable opportunity to promote the governance of social systems.

The temporary use of vacant spaces as a format to co-produce public services is becoming popular. Research addressing the question of whether the public outcomes created in temporary co-production lead to sustainable results is lacking. The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential sustainability of public outcomes created through temporary co-production.

The paper builds on the literature on creating sustainable outcomes in policy making and on co-production to design a theoretical framework that captures the sustainable co-production of public outcomes. Attention is directed to problem solving and capacity building, and to addressing the needs of society today and being responsive to the needs of tomorrow. A study of 8 temporary initiatives set in a large city in Flanders and 35 in-depth interviews with public servants, project coordinators and citizen co-producers provide empirical data for this exploratory study of the creation of sustainable outcomes in temporary co-production.

The data indicate that lasting collaborations, institutionalized (flexible) processes and empowered citizens support the creation of sustainable results from temporary co-production.

The paper bridges the literature on policy capacity, the co-production of public services and value creation. By doing so, the paper sheds light on the temporary use of vacant spaces as a way to effectively create outcomes. In addition, the paper addresses the paradox of temporary co-production and the creation of lasting outcomes. Finally, the framework presented offers a tool for analysts and practitioners to take into account various conditions for co-production to create lasting effects.