Analyzing Social Systems
An Application of Parsons's Macrosystem Model to the Organizational Level and the Sociotechnical Perspective
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 9890604 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Albert Cherns (Loughborough University, corresponding author), Albert B Cherns (Department of Social Sciences, University of Loughborough, Lougfiborough, Leicestershire LEl1 3TU, England.), Gerald J Wacker |
| Year | 1978 |
| Volume | 31 |
| Issue | 10 |
| Pages | 823-841 |
| Publication date | 1978-10-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Human Relations (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0018-7267 • E-ISSN: 1741-282X |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/001872677803101001 |
| OpenAlex | W2096377188 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 2 |
| References cited | 6 |
An analysis of a social system requires, in addition to data-collection instruments, an organizing paradigm by which the data can be made to depict the system as a unified, functioning entity. The Parsonian model of social systems is applied to organizations. Four basic social subsystemsgoal attainment, adaptation, latency, and integration-are discussed along with data-collection techniques. Some data can be obtained with formal instruments, others only with more casual techniques. The technology employed by an organization affects all four subsystems; it should not be looked upon as a monolithic subsystem by itself. There is a particular sequence of interaction among the four subsystems, beginning with goal attainment and ending with integration. This has implications for organizational diagnosis, design, and development
Adaptation (eye · Casual · Data collection · Data science · Knowledge management · Social science · Social system · Sociology · Artificial Intelligence · Complex Systems and Decision Making · Computer Science · Psychology
| Citations per year | 0.05 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 1989 - 1998 (10) |
| Highly cited | No |