Usefulness of General Systems Theory in Social Work Practice

Abstract

This chapter examines general systems theory in terms of its some literature and usefulness in social work practice. General systems theory is a conceptual orientation that attempts to explain holistically the behavior of people and societies by identifying the interacting components of the system and the controls that keep these components, stable and in a state of equilibrium. It is concerned with the boundaries, roles, relationships, and flow of information between people. General systems theory is a subset of systems theories that focuses on living entities, from microorganisms to societies. Another attractive feature of general systems theory has been its explication of a framework conceptualizing the person-in-environment perspective, which has long characterized social work. Some researchers have suggested that social learning theory— and its applications in behavior analysis and behavior therapy— is a more viable model of person-in-environment than general systems theory.