1. SYSTEMS THEORY
For understanding interactions among
individuals, groups, organizations, & the wider world
Class 4

2. What is a SYSTEM?
• A set of interrelated & interdependent
objects
• A unit of wholeness with distinct
properties & boundaries differentiating it
from other units
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3. Examples of systems…
• A mechanical system
• Such as an air conditioning
system
• A human system
• Such as the physical body
• A social system
• Such as a family, a small
group, a clan, a tribe
• A governmental system
• Such as a city, a state, a
nation
• An astronomical system
• Such as our solar system
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4. Differences among
traditional systems theories:
Structural Functionalism (Parsons)
• Proposed that each part of society is
related to the whole
• Examined the structure & function of social
systems
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5. Ecological Perspective (Germain & Gitterman)
• Proposed that human adaptation is based on
transactions between people & their environment
• Emphasized adaptation of a population or group &
“goodness of fit”
General Systems Theory (Bertalanffy)
• Proposed that human systems are characterized
by development, creativity, & transformation
• Dynamic Systems Theory, which explains human
development, is part of general systems theory
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6. Overarching Ideas of all
these Systems Theories
• Interrelated & interdependent objects create a whole
system
• Each part affects all the other parts within the system
• Subsystems are parts of larger systems
• Boundaries maintain system identity & determine the
flow of information into or out of the system
• Change & stability are created by interactions among,
within, between systems
• Systems tend to maintain & sustain themselves through
self-preservation
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7. “Focal System”
• The system that is the current focus of
attention is the focal system
• Subsystem is part of the focal system
• Suprasystem (e.g., the environment) is
external to the focal system
• Boundaries distinguish the focal system from
the environment
• Focal systems, subsystems, & suprasystems
are interrelated
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8. Your family
• Using your family of origin as the focal
point, how would you describe the
system in which you live?
• Refer to your eco-map you did last night
• What happens when something
changes within that system?
• How does the system adapt?
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9. “Adaptation”
• Defined as the process by which a system
copes with external or new internal demands
• How it secures resources from the environment
• Systems & their environments inevitably
mutually adapt to each other
• Interdependence affects adaptation
• A change in one system leads to change in other
systems
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10. “Feedback”
• Defined as information from the environment
to the system about the system’s output or
how the system is functioning
• Based on reaction to feedback, systems are
both self-maintaining & self-transforming
• Feedback enables system to maintain a
steady state, a balance between system &
environment
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11. “Closed” & “Open” Systems
• Systems with rigid
boundaries are closed
to input & closed to
feedback; they
“entropy”
• Become increasingly
stagnant & disorganized
CLOSED SYSTEM
with
rigid boundaries
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12. OPEN SYSTEM
with
porous boundaries
•Systems with porous
boundaries are open to
feedback
•This leads to “synergy”
•“Living organisms are
essentially open systems”
(Bertalanffy)
•Transactions within or
between systems lead to
increased creativity
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13. “Equifinality”
• The proposition that one can get to
the same end from many different
directions
• Different paths lead to the same
end point & there’s not just one
correct outcome or direction to
take
For example, a variety of
social work interventions
may produce the same
desired results
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14. How can these concepts
be applied to your social
work interventions?
What are the strengths of this
theory for understanding various
systems in your country?

15. Now, what are the problems
with these versions of
systems theory?
Is there always a “cause & effect”
that leads to change in the system?
Is it always possible to maintain a
“steady equilibrium” in the system?

16. Isn’t the world sometimes more chaotic?