Viable System Model
The Viable System Model (VSM) is a framework for understanding how organizations function effectively. It was developed by Stafford Beer to represent the necessary components and interactions that allow a system to thrive and adapt. VSM suggests that a viable organization must have five key functions: governance (making decisions), operations (carrying out work), coordination (ensuring everyone works together), intelligence (gathering information from the environment), and support (providing resources). Together, these functions enable an organization to respond to changes, remain resilient, and achieve its goals efficiently.
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The Viable System Model (VSM) is a framework for understanding how organizations can effectively function and adapt. It views an organization as a system made up of interrelated parts that must communicate and cooperate to survive and thrive in a changing environment. VSM identifies five essential functions, including coordination, learning, and strategy, that work together to maintain balance and respond to challenges. This model helps organizations assess their structure and processes, ensuring they can remain viable, resilient, and innovative in achieving their goals while navigating external pressures and complexities.