The Cybernetics Society: In Memory of Stafford Beer

January 2009

• Jan 24
  Bricoleur

  

  The Cybernetics Society: In Memory of Stafford Beer

  The late Professor Stafford Beer bestrode Management as a colossus.

  In a series of ground breaking books culminating in "Brain of the Firm", reprinted Wiley 1995, and the companion volumes "Heart of Enterprise", reprinted Wiley 1988, and "Diagnosing the System for Organisations", reprinted Wiley 1991, he produced models applicable to the problems of structure, innovation, autonomy, participatory development, accountability and even pain and alerting in organisations. In the neurophysiological Viable System Model (VSM) he applied Homeostasis and Variety to neuroanatomy. Thus he was able to distinguish Identity maintaining Decisions, Development, Operational and Regulatory management. This supported a strict foundation for evolutionary control and founded Management Cybernetics.

  Within months of the public

  Anthony Stafford Beer; Cybernetics; Management cybernetics. [1 person]