Examine the view that systems theory, despite its promises to the contrary, followed similar patterns that characterised the structural classical theories.
While Bernard had spoken about systems theory (closed systems) and David Easton used it to some extent, it was Fred Riggs who had extensively used the systems theory in his work.
Features of structural classical theories
They are macro theories of organisation.
They are institutionalist theories (Greater importance to the institution over the individual)
They are equilibrium theories. (There is no scope for any change)
They gave importance to the physical structure of the organisation.
They believed in the universality of principles of organisation.
They adopted an inductive approach to theory formulation.
They converted human beings into instruments or machines
They came up with their theories by observing specific nations (western industrialised) and called their theories universal.
They adopted a closed systems approach. i.e. the functioning of the organisation is not affected by external factors.
These were normative theories
What did Riggs plan to do?
He would adopt an ecological approach (open systems)
To adopt a deductive approach to theory formulation.
He intended to come out with a dynamic theory.
He attempted to focus on various sub-systems within a system.
He considered various cultural and behavioural factors. The basis of Comparative Public Administration is behavioralism.
The behavioural factors considered were not only limited to within the organisation but also included those outside the organisation.
Shifted from Idiographic to Nomothetic theories.
Shifted from Normative to Empirical theories.
What did Riggs actually do and failed to do?
Riggs divided the societies into fused, prismatic and diffracted. He had defined development as the process of transformation of a society from fused to prismatic and prismatic to diffracted. He gave the USA as an example of a diffracted society.
In doing so, Riggs committed the same mistake as the classical thinkers. The classical thinkers had said, “The solutions being offered for America will be Universal in nature and can be used in other countries too .”
Similarly, Riggs concluded that “A theory that is good for America will be good for the rest of the world.” Thus he believed that every country in the world must move towards a diffracted society.
Riggs failed to use a deductive approach and rather used the same inductive approach that the classical thinkers had adopted. Eg: For a fused society he observed ancient Thailand and China. For a prismatic society, he observed India and Philipines and for a diffracted society he observed the USA. This is called as Inductive approach.
Though Riggs criticised the classical theories for their static approach, In his own theory there was no inclusion of change variables in own model.
Thus despite promises to the contrary, the systems approach thinkers followed similar patterns to the structural classical thinkers.
P.S: This question might seem to be a complex one initially. But once you break it down into parts, it becomes easier.
The above points can be used as a reference while writing your answers. These have been noted from the discussion sessions by Pavan Sir
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