This document provides an overview of systems theory. It discusses that systems theory views an organization as an organism made up of interconnected subsystems that must work together. Key aspects of systems theory discussed include that it emphasizes communication between subsystems, takes a holistic view of the organization, and recognizes that organizations cannot be separated from their environment. The document also notes some limitations of systems theory in that it is not prescriptive and can be difficult to apply to practical problems.

1. SYSTEMS THEORY
BY: CHARLES MHANGO
CHARITY KASAWALA
VIOLET KHONJE
GEORGE NSITU

2. OUTLINE
• Introduction
• Background
• Characteristics of a system theory
• Elements of a system
• Types of a system
• Strengths
• Limitations
• Use of the theory in health care
improvement

3. INTRODUCTION
• Several management theories have
evolved over a period of time
• Systems theory is one of the
important theories in management
• The presentation offers an
understanding of the systems theory
as it relates to management

4. BACKGROUND OF THE THEORY
• General systems theory was
proposed in the 1940s by the
biologist Ludwig von Bertalanffy
• It was furthered by Ross Ashby in
1964
• Ludwig von Bertalanffy was reacting
against both reductionism and
attempting to revive the unity of

5. BACKGROUND OF THE THEORY
• Reductionists believe that a complex
system is nothing but its parts

6. DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEMS
THEORY
• System theory provides approach
to understanding, analyzing and
thinking about organizations
• Systems theory views an
organization as an
organism made up of
numerous parts
(subsystems) that must
work together in harmony

7. DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEMS
THEORY
• Departments, work groups, business
units, facilities and individual
employees can all be viewed as
subsystems of the organizations

8. DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEMS
THEORY
• Believes that organizational success
relies on;
Synergy (combined output)
Interdependence between subsystems
Interconnections
• within the organization
• between the organization and the
environment

9. CHARACTERISTICS OF SYSTEMS
THEORY
Communication
• Communication mechanisms must
be in place for organizational
systems to exchange relevant
information with its environment
• Provides for the flow of information
among the subsystems

10. CHARACTERISTICS OF SYSTEMS
THEORY
Systems, subsystems and
supersystem
• Systems: set interrelated parts that
turn inputs into outputs through
processing
• Subsystems: do the processing
• Super systems: are other systems in

11. CHARACTERISTICS OF SYSTEMS
THEORY
Boundaries
• Separates system from its environment
• Four types;
i. Physical Boundary - prevents access (security
system)
ii.Linguistic Boundary - specialized language
(jargon)
iii.Systemic Boundary - rules that regulate
interaction (titles)
iv.Psychological Boundary - restricts

12. CHARACTERISTICS OF SYSTEMS
THEORY
Goal-directedness
• Systems are goal oriented and
engage in feedback in order to meet
the goals of the organisation

13. CHARACTERISTICS OF SYSTEMS
THEORY
Holistic view
• Systems theory focuses on the
arrangement of and relations
between the parts that connect them
into a whole
• The mutual interaction of the parts
makes the whole bigger than the
parts themselves

14. BASIC ELEMENTS OF A SYSTEM
Input
• Maintenance Inputs (energic imports that
sustain system)
• Production Inputs (energic imports which are
processed to yield a productive outcome)
Throughput
• Work done on those resources used to
produce a product

15. BASIC ELEMENTS OF A SYSTEM
Output
• Exit or change exiting the system
• System returns the product to the
environment
Process
• Provides a series of mechanical or
chemical operations on something in
order to change or preserve it

16. BASIC ELEMENTS OF A SYSTEM
Feedback
• Information about a reaction to a
product
• Used as basis for improvement
• Can be;
i. Positive Feedback - move from status
quo
ii. Negative Feedback - return to status

17. BASIC ELEMENTS OF A SYSTEM
INPUT
THROUGHTP
UT
PROCESS
OUTPUT
ENVIRONME
NT
ENVIRONME
NT
FEEDBA
CK
SYSTE
M

18. TYPES OF A SYSTEM
OPEN SYSTEM
• Continuously
interacts with the
environment
• There is exchange
of materials,
energies and
information with
the environment
CLOSED SYSTEM
• Theoretical
systems that do
not interact with
the environment
• Not influenced by
surroundings

19. STRENGTHS OF SYSTEMS THEORY
• Deals with complexity
• Takes a holistic view
• Can easily manage change through
interaction with the environment
• Utilises feedback – easy to improve
• Recognises importance of
supersystems

20. LIMITATIONS OF SYSTEMS
THEORY IN MANAGEMENT
• Not a prescriptive management
theory
 Does not specify tools and techniques
for practicing managers
 Too abstract – difficult to apply in
practical problems
 Does not adequately address power
and social inequalities and their causes

21. HOW CAN SYSTEMS THEORY HELP
IMPROVE QUALITY OF HEALTH
CARE IN MALAWI?
(DISCUSSION)

22. SUMMARY
• Systems Theory is NOT a prescriptive
management theory
• Attempts to widen lens through which we
examine and understand organizational
behavior
• Emphasizes on communication
• Organizations cannot be separated from
their environment
• Views the organization as a whole
• Organizational subsystems cannot
operate in isolation

23. REFERENCE
Yoder-Wise, P.S. (2011). Leading and Managing
in Nursing (5th ed.). St. Louis: Mosby.
Sullivan, E.J. & Decker, P.J. (1992). Effective
Leadership and Management in Nursing (3rd
ed.). Redwood: Addison-Wesley.
Petula, S. (2005). Can Applying Systems Theory
Improve Quality in Health Systems? National
Association for Healthcare Quality. Retrieved
from www.nahq.org/uploads/JHQQNol.pdf
Savigny, D. D., & Adam, T. (2009). Systems
Thinking for Health Systems Strengthening.
World Health Organization.

24. THANK YOU