Systems dynamics research in management and organization studies: Overview and research agenda

Abstract

This paper presents a bibliometric analysis of the systems dynamics (SD) research landscape, drawing on 2,091 documents from Scopus and Web of Science. This research employs bibliometric techniques to explore the evolution of the scientific community over the past 50 years and assess research productivity and impact. Through network analysis, the study further reveals the field's social and conceptual structures. This approach revealed four pivotal thematic clusters, which were discussed based on content analysis: (1) operations research and strategy formulation, (2) behavioral studies and collaborative approaches, (3) dynamic performance management, and (4) systems thinking for sustainable development. The findings reveal a diverse and interdisciplinary trajectory of SD research, reflecting its integration into a broad array of fields and its potential to inform both theoretical and practical applications. The paper concludes by providing targeted recommendations for future SD research, with a particular emphasis on enhancing management and organizational studies through the incorporation of SD methodologies. This includes the potential for SD to influence the design of adaptive strategies, the use of SD in participatory policymaking, and the application of SD tools in promoting organizational learning and sustainability.