Learning from intelligent conversation: How can insights from system theory contribute to advance IMP research?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to contribute to further advancing of IMP as a research field by setting up and starting a theoretical conversation between system theory and the IMP.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on a narrative literature study and conceptual research.

Findings

The authors find that system theory and cybernetics can be regarded as important sources of inspiration for early IMP research. The authors identify three specific theoretical “puzzles” in system theory that may serve as useful topics for discussion between system theorists and IMP researchers.

Originality/value

Only a handful of papers have touched upon the relationship between system theory and IMP before. This paper combines a narrative, historical analysis of this relationship with developing specific suggestions for using system theory as a vehicle for further advancement of IMP research.

Citation

De Boer, L. and Andersen, P.H. (2016), "Learning from intelligent conversation: How can insights from system theory contribute to advance IMP research?", IMP Journal, Vol. 10 No. 3, pp. 512-539. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMP-12-2015-0070