ABSTRACT
The essence of organizational effectiveness is viability: the capacity of an organization to sustain its existence in a changing environment. The keys to sustainability are learning and adaptation. The theory of the cybernetic approach which underpins viability was explored in Chapter 15, and approaches to adaptation and learning were explored in Chapter 19. In this chapter, Stafford Beer’s ‘Viable System Model’ will be examined as a practical, contemporary tool for the design of an effective, sustainable organization. Effectiveness – the achievement of organizational purpose – drives the perception of quality. An organization which is not effective in the long term will not generate quality products or services. Ultimately, organizational effec-
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THE VIABLE SYSTEM MODEL IN THEORY
The Viable System Model (VSM) was developed by Stafford Beer from the principles of organizational cybernetics, which is concerned with steering organizations into their future. Organizational cybernetics is the science of effective organization.
