Release | Social goals in the theory of the firm: a systems theory view

Abstract: Drawing on Luhmannian social systems theory, this article revisits the single- versus multiple-objective debate on the theory of the firm. Firms are conceptualized as complexity-reducing systems structurally coupled with potentially risky environments, and profit-maximization is considered as a complexity reduction strategy for making sense of these environments. Whereas single-objective approaches reflect cases when environmental […]

Release | East of nature. Accounting for the environments of social sciences

Abstract: At the core of ecological economics is the image of the economy as an open system embedded in the natural environment whose carrying capacity is limited. The present paper revisits this image by drawing upon Niklas Luhmann’s social systems theory. To Luhmann, the modern society consists of a multitude of social systems each bringing […]

Reblog | COVID-19: WHO-Studie findet kaum Belege für die Wirksamkeit von Eindämmungsmaßnahmen

Social distancing. Reisebeschränkungen. Ausgangssperren. Im Zuge der COVID-19-Krise sind mehr als 50% der Weltbevölkerung von WHO-empfohlenen Maßnahmen betroffen, für deren Wirksamkeit es laut WHO-Bericht vom Oktober 2019 wenig bis keine wissenschaftlichen Belege gibt. Im „Krieg gegen das Virus“ spielen Maßnahmen eine Schlüsselrolle, die die Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) als non-pharmaceutical internentions (NPI) bezeichnet. Weithin bekannte Beispiele hierfür […]

Release | Weak evidence for strong pandemic interventions

Abstract: Social distancing. Travel bans. Confinement. The purpose of this viewpoint is to document that more than 50% of the world population are affected by WHO (World Health Organization) recommendations for the 2020 coronavirus crisis for whose effectiveness the WHO admits that the evidence quality is low or very low. This self-contradiction is confirmed by […]

Release | COVID-19. Scenarios of a superfluous crisis

Abstract: This study aims to highlight the critical role case fatality rates (CFR) have played in the emergence and the management of particularly the early phases of the current coronavirus crisis. The study presents a contrastive map of CFR for the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza (H1N1 and H2N2). The mapped data shows that current CFR of SARS-CoV-2 are considerably […]

Release | The tetralemma of the business family

Kleve H., Roth S., Köllner T., and Wetzel R. (2020), The tetralemma of the business family. A systemic approach to business-family dilemmas in research and practice, Journal of Organizational Change Management, Vol. 33 No. 2, pp. 433-446 [SSCI 1.185, Scopus, CNRS**, FNEGE**, CABS**]. The ahead-of-print version of this article is available for download here. Abstract: This […]

Release | Dissecting the empirical-normative divide in business ethics: The contribution of systems theory

Roth S., Valentinov V., and Clausen L. (2020), Dissecting the empirical-normative divide in business ethics: the contribution of systems theory, Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, Vol. 11 No. 4, pp. 679-694 [SSCI 2.056, CNRS**, FNEGE**, CABS**, VHB**]. Abstract Purpose: This paper aims to probe the limits of the empirical-normative divide as a conceptual framework in business ethics. […]

Release | Of wolves and dogs, and other false distinctions: A rejoinder to Wallis

Roth S. (2019), Of wolfs and dogs, and other false distinctions. A rejoinder to Wallis, Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Vol. 37 No. 1, pp. 182-183 [SSCI 1.052, Scopus, CABS**]. Rejoinder to Wallis S. (2019) Commentary on Roth: Adding a conceptual systems perspective, Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Vol. 37 No. 1, pp. 178-181. Comment on Roth […]

Release | Special Issue | Digital transformation of social theory

Digital transformation of social theory | Virtual Special Issue of Technological Forecasting and Social Change [SSCI 5.846, Scopus, CNRS***, CABS***, VHB***]. Introduction Steffen Roth, Harry F. Dahms, Frank Welz, and Sandro Cattacin: Print theories of computer societies. Introduction to the digital transformation of social theory Abstract: ICT and the increasing availability of digital data are […]