The Impact of Cybernetic Information Technology on Management Value Systems

Abstract

The first three sections of the paper are background discussions of relevant types of value questions. First, we consider the historical evolution of managerial value conflict, as they are rooted in a fundamental value polarisation reflected in U. S. society. Then we relate management values to environmental values, especially in the corporate context. Finally, we review contemporary analyses of the bases of general value systems, and consider their relationship to current research in management value systems. The fourth section is concerned with the other prong of our general analysis: After reviewing several examples of cybernetic system models, we consider their relevance for management systems in terms of the apparent future organizational impacts of the so-called “information technology.” Section five brings us to the heart of our discussion: an estimation of the likely impacts of better understanding of organisational cybernetics upon management value systems. A paradigm of ecosystem (ecological system) influence upon organizational policy formation is presented, together with a schematic organizational ecosystem decision matrix for management. In the final section of the paper, we relate corporate values to the emerging organizational ecosphere, emphasizing that cybernetic information technology creates new possibilities effectively to implement appropriate redefinitions of traditional management values.