As pointed out in the previous blogs, networking is an application of system theory. The beauty of systems theory and its application in networking is represented by the rainbow. While there are only three primary colors (red, yellow, blue) there is a multiplication of colors when these link, interact, and overlap. I used this comparison in my reflection on the 25th anniversary of EDSA Revolution last month.
Sharma (as cited in Philippine Journal of Public Administration Vol. XXXIV No. 1 January 1990) noted that the systems approach emphasizes wholeness first, then moves to the consideration of parts, including interaction among them, and between them and the whole. The systems theory, with its emphasis on holism, offers the promise of being an effective guide to management practice.
The systems theory focuses on communication patterns and the transactions and relationships among parts. As pointed out by Hartman (1970), the relationship among parts and the whole are of prime interest when considering the structure of a social system, This relationship is relatively stable. Sometimes, the relationship between systems is referred to as network.
Ann Hartman (1970), as cited in Johnson (1995), noted that the systems theory is useful to social workers (pastors, too and all those involved in the development of people) for it gives a means for conceptualizing linkages and relationships among seemingly different entities: individuals, families, small groups, agencies, communities, and societies. It notes similarities and differences among different classifications of systems. It aids social workers in considering both private troubles and public issues within the nurturing system and the sustaining system of a situation they are assessing.
The overlapping of various systems makes relationship complex. Since the systems theory gives prime importance to relationship, such overlap contributes to the dynamism of networking. Defined as development and maintenance of communication and ways of working together among people of diverse interests and orientations (Johnson, 1995), networking is a form of coordination. As part of the administrative function, Aldaba (1990) states, networking is necessary for the formation of a broad consensus and the promotion of collective action so that social transformation and genuine development can occur.
As viewed through the systems theory, networking is both a relationship among systems and a sub - system in itself. In this sense, it affects the development of each system while it is also being affected by other sub systems that compose the whole. In like manner, networks and respective members work as a system operating collaboratively in order to address the pressing issues and concerns related to development of people. Each organization, therefore, works as a “component unit” and, as such, affects each other, so that a modification of one will stimulate corresponding change on another and, in general, the whole system.
Next post: Resumption of Gains and Pains in Serving the Pastors in relation to networking
Showing posts with label Rainbow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rainbow. Show all posts
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Networking and Systems Theory
The break before resuming Gains in Serving the Pastors… might be extended as many were delighted about the presentation on networking. While recollection of past achievements has been therapeutic to me, I am inclined to respond to the interest of followers of this blog including those in facebook and email. My primary purpose in starting this blog was more personal - to challenge myself and consolidate my thoughts. It was a pastor friend’s advice to help my healing process, knowing how most of my time is spent at home due to limited mobility. The sudden interval brought about by illness had been devastating to me in first months. More so, that even an hour in the computer was an agonizing experience during those period. That was the time when I valued much even a mediocre accomplishment. Recently, I find fulfillment in succeeding to post daily for 6 days a week. Receiving feedbacks, and advice to view blog statistics made me realize, there are followers of the blog. Hence, a couple of posts on networking before resuming the gains…
Networking is an application of system theory. Lewis and Harris (1995) pointed out that networking can be analyzed through systems theories, i.e., as “additional systems within the individual’s environment that must be considered in assessment and intervention.” Much of the systems theory grew out of the business management literature. According to Cleland and King (1972), several factors have contributed to the development of the systems theory and the system analysis into a distinct field. These factors included new ways of viewing cost efficiency, new management techniques, and the era of the computer. Consequently, a new phenomenon has emerged in business management, i.e., systems analysts. Their work focuses on viewing “the relationships between divisions in companies or organizations in order to obtain the most efficient mechanism for communication, management, planning, and development.” This work includes designing and utilizing sophisticated computer programs with emphasis on data processing and analysis of relationship. The last aspect makes systems analysis useful to pastors, social workers, and other helping profession or development endeavors.
The key concepts of the systems theory are wholeness, relationship, and homeostasis. Wholeness implies that the product of interaction by the elements within the system is greater than the additive sums of the separate parts. The concept of relationship asserts the importance of the pattern and structure of elements in the system, equally important as the elements themselves. Homeostasis, which is the tendency of the physiological system of higher animals to maintain an environment of organized stability even when its natural function or condition has been disrupted, suggests that most living systems seek a balance to maintain and preserve the system.
The beauty of systems theory and its application in networking is represented by the rainbow. While there are only three primary colors (red, yellow, blue) there is a multiplication of colors when these link, interact, and overlap. I used this comparison in my reflection on the 25th anniversary of EDSA Revolution last month. Visit my other blog.
Networking is an application of system theory. Lewis and Harris (1995) pointed out that networking can be analyzed through systems theories, i.e., as “additional systems within the individual’s environment that must be considered in assessment and intervention.” Much of the systems theory grew out of the business management literature. According to Cleland and King (1972), several factors have contributed to the development of the systems theory and the system analysis into a distinct field. These factors included new ways of viewing cost efficiency, new management techniques, and the era of the computer. Consequently, a new phenomenon has emerged in business management, i.e., systems analysts. Their work focuses on viewing “the relationships between divisions in companies or organizations in order to obtain the most efficient mechanism for communication, management, planning, and development.” This work includes designing and utilizing sophisticated computer programs with emphasis on data processing and analysis of relationship. The last aspect makes systems analysis useful to pastors, social workers, and other helping profession or development endeavors.
The key concepts of the systems theory are wholeness, relationship, and homeostasis. Wholeness implies that the product of interaction by the elements within the system is greater than the additive sums of the separate parts. The concept of relationship asserts the importance of the pattern and structure of elements in the system, equally important as the elements themselves. Homeostasis, which is the tendency of the physiological system of higher animals to maintain an environment of organized stability even when its natural function or condition has been disrupted, suggests that most living systems seek a balance to maintain and preserve the system.
The beauty of systems theory and its application in networking is represented by the rainbow. While there are only three primary colors (red, yellow, blue) there is a multiplication of colors when these link, interact, and overlap. I used this comparison in my reflection on the 25th anniversary of EDSA Revolution last month. Visit my other blog.
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