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A Methodological Proposal for the Complementarity of the SSM and the VSM for the Analysis of Viability in Organizations

Author

Listed:
  • Ana Gabriela Ramírez-Gutiérrez

    (Universidad Panamericana)

  • Pedro Pablo Cardoso-Castro

    (Leeds Beckett University)

  • Ricardo Tejeida-Padilla

    (Instituto Politécnico Nacional)

Abstract

This paper presents a protocol that establishes the complementarity between Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) and the Viable System Model (VSM) for the analysis of viability in organizations. Various studies demonstrate the advantages of both hard and soft multimethodologies, especially in the field of operational research (OR). Relying on a literature review of multimethodology, the present research specifically focuses on papers that examine the resolution of problem situations in organizations using SSM and VSM. It subsequently addresses approaches to both methodologies and, as a result, presents the characteristics that favor complementarity. Thus, this research primarily contributes with a methodological proposal that integrates both SSM and VSM. In terms of its technical-methodological approach, this study proposes a comprehensive protocol for the integration of SSM and VSM. While some studies do extol the benefits of combining the two methodologies, a systematic protocol for their integration is still lacking. As such, the protocol presented herein consists of six steps used to diagnose or design a viable organization that includes a questionnaire for detecting organizational pathologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Gabriela Ramírez-Gutiérrez & Pedro Pablo Cardoso-Castro & Ricardo Tejeida-Padilla, 2021. "A Methodological Proposal for the Complementarity of the SSM and the VSM for the Analysis of Viability in Organizations," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 34(3), pages 331-357, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:syspar:v:34:y:2021:i:3:d:10.1007_s11213-020-09536-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s11213-020-09536-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Payam Hanafizadeh & Mohammad Mehrabioun, 2018. "Application of SSM in tackling problematical situations from academicians’ viewpoints," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 31(2), pages 179-220, April.
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