This talk argues that the Viable System Model (VSM) can be strengthened by integrating social-constructivist approaches that address the human complexity of organizations. Drawing on career experience and case studies from utilities, healthcare, and large-scale mergers, it shows how meaning-making, relationships, power dynamics, and emotional pressures shape organizational viability as much as structure. The talk highlights the practitioner’s role in cultivating “requisite virtues” such as listening, humility, and reflexivity to create trust and support generative dialogue. It concludes by introducing practical conversational tools—including liberating micro-structures—that enable organizations to co-create shared understanding and collaboratively design pathways for effective change.
Key Themes
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES?
- VSM and the human side of organisation.
- Requisite Variety and people complexity
- Move from rational to subjective perspective
WHAT NEW PERSPECTIVES ARE RELEVANT?
- Social Construction Theory
- Being a Practitioner - Requisite Virtue
- System thinking and narrative
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR PRACTITIONERS?
- Conversations and Relationships
- Creating spaces for safe conversation-three stories
- Discretion, Maturity and Responsibility
- New approach and new tools for practitioners
