A Systems Science Approach to Organizational Integrity. Case: Services Small and Medium Enterprises

Abstract

This study developed a model oriented to organisational integrity in service in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A systemic approach was adopted to articulate methodologies as follows: A) the soft systems methodology was used to frame the problem and formulate a conceptual model (supported by 140 participants). B) Partial least squares path modelling was applied statistically to validate the construct. C) Through the viable system model, interactions within SMEs were realigned to foster organisational integrity. Results suggest that the relationships proposed in the construct may promote organisational integrity. The ideas developed are restricted to the organisational domain, and although the results apply to the Mexican context, this possible constraint was overcome through the adopted multi-methodological perspective. This study provides an opportunity to discuss methods for improving and viewpoints for rethinking viability in these organisations and provides tools to support academics and managers for addressing the issues identified.

Sustainable performance in tourism SMEs: a soft modeling approach

“…We adopted the systemic method because it promotes methodological synthesis and is suitable for handling unstructured problems, that is, situations where root causes are unclear and multiple variables interact (Núñez-Ríos et al , 2022a). Furthermore, besides helping to incorporate the participants’ views about a given problem and design change (Sánchez-García et al , 2020), the systemic method assumes organizational problems as totalities nested in other totalities requiring the adoption of a multi-methodological perspective (Mingers, 2015).…”

“…The VSM consists of five systemic functions aiming for control, and it is suitable in the soft modeling framework because it helps rethink organizational relations at different levels (Beer, 1994). The VSM has been validated both quantitatively and operationally by different authors (S anchez-García et al, 2019(S anchez-García et al, , 2020Núñez-Ríos et al, 2020b, 2022aMartinez-Lozada and Espinosa, 2020;Lowe et al, 2020); its functions are described below:…”

“…When integrating SNA on stages 1 and 2, we adopted the nominalist (Núñez-Ríos et al , 2022a) and asked the following questions: Which relationship is strategic to achieve SUP? Which relationship makes it difficult for you to adopt SUP?…”

“…The VSM consists of five systemic functions aiming for control, and it is suitable in the soft modeling framework because it helps rethink organizational relations at different levels (Beer, 1994). The VSM has been validated both quantitatively and operationally by different authors (Sánchez-García et al , 2019, 2020; Núñez-Ríos et al , 2020b, 2022a; Martinez-Lozada and Espinosa, 2020; Lowe et al , 2020); its functions are described below: S1 : Implementation of the organization’s operational purpose is configured by all primary activities producing and delivering the goods or services. S2 : Coordination and anti-oscillation of S1. It is a function responsible for the harmonious interactions of the S1 units, preventing overlap.…”