Premium
A three‐phase design methodology for complex social systems
Author(s) -
Li Ya,
Li Xibin
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
systems research and behavioral science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1099-1743
pISSN - 1092-7026
DOI - 10.1002/sres.571
Subject(s) - social system , complex system , complexity theory and organizations , perspective (graphical) , management science , context (archaeology) , china , computer science , sociology , social complexity , systems theory , phase (matter) , knowledge management , political science , social science , artificial intelligence , engineering , law , paleontology , organizational learning , chemistry , organic chemistry , biology
The complexity of a theory must adapt to the complexity of the corresponding reality. According to classical systems theory, it is the structure that characterizes the organizing status of an organization or a system. This paper discusses the complexity of social systems, especially from the perspective of China's transformation, and argues that the organizing status of social systems can be conceived at three levels: institutional tizhi , organizational structure and operational guifan . To meet the needs of tackling complex social system issues, the paper further proposes a three‐phase design methodology which has made differences in the context of China's recent transition. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.