Jon Walker

A complexity approach to sustainability – Stafford Beer revisited

Abstract There is wide acceptance of the need for a more holistic approach to sustainability. However, practical solutions remain elusive and tend to exhibit underlying conflicts between different paradigms and their associated methodologies. This paper argues the need to wield analytical tools that themselves embody the principles of systemic, ecological thinking. We present here a theoretical framework based on complexity science – focused on organisational and second order cybernetics – that highlights our understanding of the concept of sustainability. The paper goes on to reflect upon how current practice would benefit from such an approach.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT REVISITED: LESSONS FROM A CYBERNETIC INTERVENTION IN COLOMBIA

Stafford Beers Viable System Model offers a tool of great power with direct relevance to environmental problems. This article introduces the model and, through a recent application in the Colombian Environmental Sector, shows how this approach offers new possibilities to diagnose and deal with environmental problems of enormous complexity. It discusses the inadequacies of traditional approaches to environmental management, which tend to be restricted to the use of existing political systems. This example might serve as an inspiration for practitioners looking for new tools to progress towards more adaptive organizations in the environmental sector.