On Purposeful Systems: An Interdisciplinary Analysis of Individual and Social Behavior as a System of Purposeful Events

by Russell L. Ackoff, Fred E. Emery, Brent D. Ruben (Contributor)

This book provides an innovative foundation for looking at human and social behavior u as a system of purposeful (teleological) events. It uses a systems theoretical approach for the study of these phenomena, and illustrates and extends general systems theory. Part One develops the concepts of traditional mechanism from which, successively, the concepts of "function," "choice," "goal-seeking," and "purposefulness" are derived, leading to a quantitative formulation of "personality". Part Two provides an analysis of aspects of purposeful behavior and personality, and Part Three explores the interaction of purposeful systems. Part Four is concerned with the study of social groups and ideal-seeking behavior. Finally, structural concepts underpinning the theoretical system are redefined in technological terms, thus demonstrating the non-vicious circularity and interdependence of all scientific concepts.

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy, Management

306 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Russell Lincoln Ackoff was Anheuser Busch Professor Emeritus of management science at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. Professor Ackoff was an American organizational theorist and consultant, and a pioneer in the fields of operations research and management science.

Reviews

[Erno Berezvay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book’s aim is to create a universal and (hopefully) objective language for the behavioural science. It does it by providing functional definitions instead of structure ones.

Interesting in some places, while in others it’s a bit outdated (no surprise, it was first published in 1960) and dull. Nevertheless, Ackoff and Emery present a really detailed work.

I especially liked part 4, where their concept was used to explain social systems and closed the conceptual framework.

Note: skimming the technical parts doesn’t take away too much from the experience.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

It felt like the authors were trying to write a book about their ability to philosophize with the intent to come across brilliant. Instead it was random like somebody was writing a book using the middle word suggested on their phone. Too many tangents to make a point.