organization

Theoretical Foundations
Theoretical perspectives that influenced OIT:
• Von Bertalanffy’s General Systems Theory (1968)
• Systems are composed of parts
• The “whole is greater than the sum of the parts.”
• All complex systems (including human organizations)
share similar characteristics and behaviors:
• Complexity – many interlocking parts
• Feedback and control – keeps system on-track
• Adaptation – changing environment can change system
• Equifinality – system seeks to return to equilibrium.