TY  - JOUR
AB  - Purpose This paper aims to revisit the viable system model (VSM) discussing it from both the theoretical and the empirical standpoints, and ascertaining its relevance for organizational governance.Design/methodology/approach A combination of theoretical and empirical components is used: introduction to theory and critique on the one hand; case studies and a large sample empirical study on the other.Findings The VSM has proved to be a powerful means of governance for organizations in turbulent times. It conveys a durable, reliable knowledge. This has been corroborated in both case studies and a large-scale empirical study.Practical implications Application of the model under study can activate a huge potential for the improvement of organizations.Originality/value This contribution tests the VSM in an unseen fashion – qualitatively and quantitatively. The results suggest that a high confidence in the model is justified. It conveys to managers and leaders an unconventional, superior approach to both diagnosis and design of their organizations.
VL  - 48
IS  - 1
SN  - 0368-492X
DO  - 10.1108/K-01-2018-0019
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1108/K-01-2018-0019
AU  - Schwaninger Markus
PY  - 2018
Y1  - 2018/01/01
TI  - Governance for intelligent organizations: a cybernetic contribution
T2  - Kybernetes
PB  - Emerald Publishing Limited
SP  - 35
EP  - 57
Y2  - 2024/09/19
ER  -