Sustainable Self-Governance in Businesses and Society: The Viable System Model in Action

Sustainable Self-Governance in Businesses and Society provides an introduction to Stafford Beers' Viable System Model (VSM) and its relevance to support organizational sustainability and self-governance. The book explains the self-transformation methodology to analyze how organizations manage complexity and govern themselves, supported by examples from various organizations. It highlights how the VSM theory can enhance organizational learning, change, and self-organization, enabling them to implement sustainability strategies and self-govern. The book is valuable for managers, consultants, practitioners, and post-graduate students interested in organizational transformation, governance, and sustainability.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 19 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Sustainable Self-Governance in Businesses and Society presents a comprehensive and insightful introduction to Stafford Beers' Viable System Model (VSM), a framework that has gained significant prominence since its inception in the early 1980s. However, its complexity and application have often posed challenges for practitioners. This book aims to demystify the VSM and elucidate its relevance in supporting organizational sustainability and self-governance.

The VSM provides a self-transformation methodology that enables organizations to analyze their complexity and govern themselves effectively. By employing this approach, organizations can identify areas for improvement and implement sustainable practices. The book is supported by numerous examples of application across various organizations, ranging from small to multinational corporations and from organized social networks to communities and national organizations. These examples illustrate the practical implications of the VSM and its ability to enhance organizational performance and sustainability.

One of the key strengths of the book is its emphasis on the relevance of Beers' theory to support systemic learning and change in organizations. It explains how the VSM can be used as a coaching tool to assist organizations in self-organizing and self-governing. The chapters provide valuable insights for managers, consultants, practitioners, and post-graduate students working in organizational transformation, governance, and sustainability. They offer practical guidance on how to apply the VSM theory in practice, thereby improving adaptive capabilities, agile and self-regulated structures, and ultimately enabling organizations to fully implement corporate sustainability strategies and self-govern themselves.

In conclusion, Sustainable Self-Governance in Businesses and Society is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand and apply the VSM in their organizations. It provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the framework, supported by practical examples and insights from experts in the field. By leveraging the power of the VSM, organizations can achieve sustainable growth, resilience, and success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Weight: 486g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032354972