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The limits of transparency: A systems theory view

Author

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  • Vladislav Valentinov
  • Gert Verschraegen
  • Kristof Van Assche

Abstract

The paper explores the implications of Ludwig von Bertalanffy's general systems theory for the current debates on the nature of organizational transparency as an element of good governance. If transparency implies the exchange of information, then it may be taken, at a metaphorical level, to constitute a dimension of metabolism theorized by Bertalanffy's open systems model. Yet, the model likewise lays bare some of the limits of transparency idea. Bertalanffy's work on the nature of emergent properties, his critique of the stimulus–response scheme, and his perspectivistic account of the systemic perception of the environment all point in the direction of the impossibility of full transparency. Later systems‐theoretic work on operational closure and self‐referentiality has reinforced and even radicalized these insights, which are shown to resonate with some of the key arguments in the contemporary economics, sociology of knowledge, and business ethics.

Suggested Citation

  • Vladislav Valentinov & Gert Verschraegen & Kristof Van Assche, 2019. "The limits of transparency: A systems theory view," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 36(3), pages 289-300, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:srbeha:v:36:y:2019:i:3:p:289-300
    DOI: 10.1002/sres.2591
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Maren Gierlich-Joas & Thomas Hess & Rahild Neuburger, 2020. "More self-organization, more control—or even both? Inverse transparency as a digital leadership concept," Business Research, Springer;German Academic Association for Business Research, vol. 13(3), pages 921-947, November.
    2. Frank Ebinger & Bramwel Omondi, 2020. "Leveraging Digital Approaches for Transparency in Sustainable Supply Chains: A Conceptual Paper," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(15), pages 1-16, July.
    3. Steven E. Wallis, 2020. "Exceeding the limits: Commentary on “The limits of transparency”," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 37(1), pages 170-173, January.
    4. Vladislav Valentinov & Gert Verschraegen & Kristof van Assche, 2020. "On complexity and transparency: The limits of taxonomic ordering," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 37(1), pages 174-177, January.
    5. Mary R. Brooks & Geraldine Knatz & Athanasios A. Pallis & Gordon Wilmsmeier, 2022. "Transparency in port governance: setting a research agenda," Journal of Shipping and Trade, Springer, vol. 7(1), pages 1-20, December.
    6. Kristof Van Assche & Monica Gruezmacher & Raoul Beunen, 2022. "Why Governance Is Never Perfect: Co-Evolution in Environmental Policy and Governance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-7, August.
    7. Jauernig, Johanna & Uhl, Matthias & Valentinov, Vladislav, 2021. "The ethics of corporate hypocrisy: An experimental approach," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 131.
    8. Valentinov, Vladislav & Verschraegen, Gert & van Assche, Kristof, 2020. "On complexity and transparency: The limits of taxonomic ordering," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 37(1), pages 174-177.

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