Release | Big data insights into social macro trends: Expanding the horizon (1800-2018)

Abstract: This article examines how big data can inform and challenge established theories and future visions of society. Utilising the most recent version of the arguably largest free online corpus, the Google Books corpus (version 20200217), we replicate and enhance Roth et al.’s (2019a) systems-theoretical methodology for analysing macro social trends. Thus extending the sample […]

Release | Special Luhmann Conference double issue of SRBS on “Environments” and “Guiding distinctions”. Observed with social systems theory

Special Luhmann Conferences 2023 and 2024 double issue of Systems Research and Behavioral Science on “Environments” and “Guiding distinctions”. Observed with Social Systems Theory The proofs of the full special double issue are available for download here (PDF 8.2 Mb), while the issue is also available on the official SRBS website. Luhmann Conference 2023: Environments: […]

Release | Value Plurality and Multifunctional Commensuration in Organisation: A Systems-Theoretical Approach

Abstract: This article aims to challenge the prevailing economic bias in studies of organised valuation and commensuration by exploring the broader plurality of values that organisations must manage. The article draws on social systems theory in the tradition of German sociologist Niklas Luhmann to conceptualise organisations as multifunctional systems of decisions that pertain to and […]

Release | The matrix reloaded. A revised framework for the inference of the four basic forms of social differentiation

Abstract: This paper revisits and refines Niklas Luhmann’s framework for understanding social differentiation, addressing unresolved ambiguities in his original theory. Luhmann’s approach, which initially identified three core forms of social differentiation—segmentation, stratification, and functional differentiation—expanded to include a fourth form, centralization. By critically examining the theoretical underpinnings and limitations of Luhmann’s distinctions, this study shows […]

Release | N-factorial scenarios. A systems-theoretical approach to scenario-planning

Abstract: Scenarios are among the most popular techniques for managing the uncertainty and complexity of the future. Even the more sophisticated scenario designs, however, often reduce the future to a narrow set of typically only two key factors that are arranged into a four-square matrix representing four distinct yet interrelated scenarios. Consequently, scenarios have been […]

Release | Rainmaking: Observed with social systems theory

Abstract: This article examines contemporary efforts to control climate change through the lens of social systems theory, particularly by drawing comparisons to rain dances and shamanic rituals. It argues that modern climate control strategies bear functional similarities to archaic rituals aimed at influencing weather patterns, despite the absence of direct causality. Using Niklas Luhmann’s concepts […]

Release | Willing unwillingness. A Luhmannian perspective on followership and leadership in organizations

We are excited to share that our paper, Willing unwillingness. A Luhmannian perspective on followership and leadership in organizations, has been published in Systems Research and Behavioral Science! This is not just another piece about leadership being a top-down power game. No, what we uncovered goes far deeper. Through our research, we explored the paradox […]

Release | Theory of the third: A cybernetic approach to escalative conflict dynamics in business families

Abstract: This conceptual paper explores the surprising impact exerted by third elements on the escalation and de-escalation of conflicts in business families. To this end, we draw on core concepts of Batesonian cybernetic theory to perform a reconceptualisation of pertinent literature on changing conflict dynamics gath- ered in family business research and consultancy. Based on […]

Release | Within a mesh of expectations: Dealing with dilemmas in business families using systemic tools from family coaching

Abstract: Business family members face challenges related to exposure to diverse role expectations and systems logics, the management of which often results in sit- uations of high complexity, dilemmas, and paradoxes. To address these issues, in this paper we combine key insights from social systems theory with systemic family coaching tools such as “internal maps,” […]