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Complex system governance: Concept, utility, and challenges

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  • Charles B. Keating
  • Polinpapilinho F. Katina

Abstract

Complex system governance (CSG) is an emerging field focused on design, execution, and evolution of (meta)system functions that produce control, communications, coordination, and integration of a complex system. Ultimately, CSG explains system performance, prospects for continued system viability (existence), and future system sustainability. This paper explores three primary perspectives for CSG. First, following a brief introduction, a CSG overview is provided. Three underlying fields (systems theory, management cybernetics, and system governance), the derived model for CSG, and essential distinctions of CSG are developed. Second, the role and nature of CSG pathologies as aberrations from normal or healthy system conditions are developed. Pathologies are grounded in systems theory, and requisite variety is used to explain pathologies in complex system design, execution, or development impacting system performance. Third, challenges for balanced evolution of the CSG field are suggested. The paper concludes with suggestion for simultaneous development of science, engineering, and practice for CSG.

Suggested Citation

  • Charles B. Keating & Polinpapilinho F. Katina, 2019. "Complex system governance: Concept, utility, and challenges," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 36(5), pages 687-705, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:srbeha:v:36:y:2019:i:5:p:687-705
    DOI: 10.1002/sres.2621
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    Cited by:

    1. Helena Knyazeva, 2020. "Strategies of Dynamic Complexity Management," Foresight and STI Governance (Foresight-Russia till No. 3/2015), National Research University Higher School of Economics, vol. 14(4), pages 34-45.
    2. Bo Yang & Joane V. Serrano & Markus A. Launer & Lulu Wang & Kamran Rabiei, 2023. "A comprehensive and systematic study on the cybernetics management systems," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 36(3), pages 479-504, June.

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