“Tektology”, VSM and the digital age

Abstract

PurposeI examine Bogdanov’s notion of Tektology within the context of modern communication systems and political agendas.Design/methodology/approachThe practicality of Tektology from the perspective of 21st century sensibilities.FindingsI argue that, like the implications of creating a suitable environment in Red Star, the practicality of enabling tektology in the 21st century is unlikely.Research limitations/implicationsTektology was an idea created in the early 20th century and the social conditions of that era-especially in Russia. The work associated with it is Stafford Beers VSM – an idea of combining the two was suggested by Jackson in 2023. Clearly, the early ideas rely on the source material of that era which are taken within the context of now. A mixture of early 20th and 21st century references are referred to. To limit such a topic as this to the word limits of the journal necessitates reducing discussion, for example the link between Tektology and Happiness.Practical implicationsIt is not possible to test these ideas in a practical sense. The discussion relies upon what Tektology proposes and the way in which ICT is used in the 21 century. The only practical attempt of using technology as a major control system is that of Beer’s Chilean project but Tektolgy was more ambitious; it was aimed at creating a new society. The paper can only relate to observations about the way ICTs are used and controlled presentlySocial implicationsThe paper highlights the way that communication platforms are used and controlled in western society and elsewhere.Originality/valueWhile attempts have been made to link Tektology to modern communication technologies few consider it within the context of 21st century cultural, political and media experience.