Viable Systems Approach (VSA)

Viable Systems Approach (VSA)

About Viable Systems Approach (VSA)

The VSA is a scientific approach to business theory based upon system theory, which focuses on the analysis of relationships among socio-economic entities in search of viable interacting conditions (Barile, 2000; Golinelli, 2000). According to VSA, every entity (a business or an individual) can be considered a system of many parts or structures (Parsons, 1971), made up of a group of interlinked sub-components, with the aim of realising a common goal. VSA proposes a deep analysis of the Structure-Systems dichotomy when introducing that every system represents a recognisable entity emerging from a specific changing structure (set of individual elements with assigned roles, activities and tasks performing in compliance with rules and constraints). System origins then from its own structure, this kind of evolution derives from the dynamic activation of static existing basic relationships. A structure can be studied (What is it? How it is made?), a system should only be interpreted (How does it work? What logic does it follows?)”. This means that from the a static structure the dynamic interpretation of reality brings up the recognition of various possible systems dependant on the finalities and final goal. VSA advances Stafford Beer's conceptualization of decision-making area and operating structure. The numerous managerial and operative decision are allocated within the operating structure area, limiting the real decision making to strategic and high level decisions involving every decision maker. VSA introduces a Conceptual Matrix based upon an iterative process describing the process of conception and realization of a Viable System. It starts from an idea that needs to be more framed within a logical structure, more detailed through the definition of a physical structure. Once the physical structure is defined it can relate with external resources and systems, embracing them within an extended structure that, via its dynamics, can give birth to numerous specific structures and eventually end up to be a Viable System. This recursive process may represent the development of a business just as much as an industrial district.

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