Applications of living systems theory to the study of management and organizational behavior

Abstract

Living systems theory provides an elegant and elaborate conceptual framework for studying the behavior of human organisms, groups, and organizations. It facilitates cross-level comparisons and analysis of interaction between systems at different levels. Miller (1978) generated many cross-level hypotheses that could be useful to management and organizational behavior theorists and researchers. Practitioners can gain much from a clearer understanding of the “living” nature of groups and organizations. This article reviews the literature of applications of living systems theory to the fields of management and organizational behavior, and provides many examples of benefits to researchers and managers.