Open versus closed systems

Open versus closed systems.   These are terms indicating the relative degree with which a system interacts with its environment. While there are very few, if any, completely open or completely closed systems, we usually view open systems as those having continual interaction with its environment. Closed systems are those with little interaction and feedback from their environments.

3.         Two major characteristics of open systems are:

a.                  Negative entropy is the ability of open systems to bring in new energy in the form of inputs and feedback from the environment in order for the organization to delay or to arrest entropy, the decaying process.

b.                  Synergy is the ability of the whole to equal more than the sum of its parts.

c.                   The systems viewpoint suggests that managers are likely to be more successful if they attempt to operate their units as open systems rather than as closed system.

Capital                                      Management Activities        Information

            Technology                                Technology and                              Human Results

            Information                                Operations Methods

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