Systems Theory

A system is defined as a collection of interrelated parts or elements that function together to make a whole that is of a magnitude and order totally different from that of any of the individual parts. Thus the working of the system as a whole depends on operating of all the parts and coordination among them.

Systems are responsive and interactive within themselves and within their environments, which are systems themselves. The PTA group in my children’s school is an example of systems theory. This group is made up of 12 parents, who perform specific duties individually for running the PTA programs fruitfully as a complete unit. They plan, organize and execute different programs for the entire school. Although they form a system by themselves, they also exist in another system of the school as a whole. For successful implementation of their programs the PTA coordinates with other small systems in the school such as the teachers group, student representatives, and the management.

Entropy and Equifinality

According to business dictionary.com, the word entropy means measure of level of disorder in a closed but changing system. Entropy is the negative result of too much information in a small group environment. When all the group members are doing things their way, the group output can shatter because of redundancy of work, confusion, and waste of time and effort. Disorder and disorganization can result in muddled situation, lack of interest in work, and lack of trust among the group members. In order to dodge entropy in small groups, group leaders can make a schedule, draw a timetable, assign everyone their job and deadlines and organize their work in a methodical fashion.

In comparison with entropy, equifinality creates positive result in a small group. According to business dictionary.com, the word equifinality means reaching the end state with any possible means. Accordingly equifinality lets everyone in the small group a chance to respond and suggest different ways of reaching their common goal.

Dispersion of the Group

When interdependence and interrelationship does not work well in a small group the group starts dissolving and breaking its unity.  The members start deviating from their specialized roles and fail to work mutually as a team. Thus members of the group do not share similar goals and the group breaks down in parts.

EXAMPLE: I consider my family of 4 as a small group working towards running our household ship smoothly. My house is the ship, I am the anchor of the ship and my husband is the navigator. My children are little interns on the ship who are learning their life skills everyday. Whenever I get in difference of opinion with my husband, our ship rocks but as long as we keep our intentions clear and stay united, we can get over the differences and move on. There is a sense of interdependence among all of us, which makes us perform our individual duties responsibly. Similarly, I would not like to jeopardize the relationships amongst us as that can break the whole synergy of our group.

EXAMPLE 2: My friends and me had started a kitty party with an intention to get together once a month and have potluck party. That way our families would mingle to get to know each other and have fun. We contributed 100 dollars every month and conducted lucky draw to find the winner of the kitty. We were 9 friends living in Singapore for work purpose. All went well until about first round of 9 months. When it came to continue for the next round, one of our friend backed out saying she cannot spare one Sunday every month for she had other commitments, one friend backed out saying she always wins the draw in the end, other friend said her in laws had joined them so she was not comfortable to meet once every month. Thus every friend came with different reasons to break the kitty group. However 4 of us thought of continuing the family get together without money element, which worked great until one of our active participant moved out of Singapore. Finally we lost interest in the kitty concept because it made no sense anymore as every member in the group exhibited different interests so ultimately we closed the kitty and the whole group dispersed. 

My Introduction

Hi,

My name is Suchitra Varma. I am graduating in Spring 2013, so this is my second last semester at SJSU in undergrad studies. I am planning to pursue Masters from next fall. I am married and have two kids, so I am pretty much tied up with the responsibilities towards my family, but I still take out time to study at SJSU for fulfilling my goal of graduation.

I have traveled and lived in different countries before coming to the US. Travel has widened my scope of thinking and given me an invigorating look towards life. Going back to school is an endeavor that I have been dreaming of in past.

Today communication is seen as the backbone of every profession, so I decided to major in communication and update myself with new research, writing and presenting skills. I want to learn the techniques of communication through this class for stating my points with ease while maintaining the integrity in the small group.

I am excited for this semester and look forward to working with my classmates as a team for success in this class.