Business systems are "synergistic" . In terms of energy
created and form of the system and its elements - the whole is
greater than sum of parts. We cannot study a particular element
or sub-system of an organisation in isolation from other systems
which are related to it. These have an influence across the
boundary of the sub-system we are studying if we ignore the
influence of these relationships then our explanation of what is
or likely to take place will be flawed.
Systems theory directs attention to the system as a whole and from this we can proceed to the elements comprising it. We can study an individual element of a business system e.g. the accounts - but this on its own does not enable us to comprehend the whole. We may need to look at staff morale or the company marketing activities - to understand the health of the company. Managers making decisions about resources and efficiency need to be wary of the environmental context (local and national) and the relationship between sub-system functioning. Systems management thinking encourages a top-down analysis and helps avoid
