The systems philosophy: ‘changing everything’

Aaron C.T. Smith, James Skinner and Daniel Read

Chapter 9 in Philosophies of Organizational Change, 2026, pp 207-230 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Chapter 9 explores the systems philosophy, which looks beyond simplistic causal views of management and the constituent parts of organizations. Organizations are seen as the sum of their parts rather than as a collection of reducible units. Systems theorists appreciate that any change instigates numerous and sometimes multiplied effects across an organization. The chapter explains how the systems philosophy views the entire organization as the unit of change rather than industry, strategy, structure, processes, culture, psychology or any other element. It concludes with the assumption that organizational change succeeds when interventions are levelled throughout the entire system because the interrelationships between parts mean that everything is affected. The systems philosophy also gives rise to less prescriptive change theories. Where planned, rational change surrenders to chaos and complexity, based on the premise that change involves an unmanageable tension between control and chaos. However, the systems philosophy risks ignoring the ‘softer’, human side of change. The chapter also explores complexity theory, adaptive systems and emergent change, highlighting how digital twins, artificial intelligence-enabled mapping and supply chain resilience tools are reshaping systemic interventions. It emphasizes that successful change in dynamic environments requires flexibility, feedback and a shift from rigid planning to adaptive capacity.

Keywords: Systems; Holistic; Complexity; Systemic; Chaos; Emergence; Adaptability; Digital Twins (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035372164
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