The viable system model and the viability theory: Collaborations paths

Abstract

The cybernetic viable system model (VSM) and viability theory (VT) are based on common assumptions. Both are tools for understanding and designing organizations. What, then, are the specific notions or concepts they share? What are their points of contact? To answer these questions, we identify the various mathematical concepts of control theory used in VSM and study the advances made in VT. We also summarize the various concepts in each approach. It is shown that VSM emphasizes general structures whereas VT puts the accent on the behaviour of particular dynamic systems. Our general conclusions are that: (1) VSM contributes important cybernetic concepts while VT provides precise notions of tychastic viability, viability and invariant sets as well as capture and absorption basins; and (2) control theory strongly enriched by system dynamics techniques is the most important theoretical and practical bridge between VSM and VT. These various characteristics of the two methods lend themselves to fruitful collaboration between them and form the basis of an attractive agenda for further research.