general systems theory (GST)

Definition

One of the several methodologies (such as operations research, systems analysis, systems dynamics) which employ systems approach to understanding complex phenomenon and problems. GST focuses on the system's structure instead of on the system's function. It proposes that complex systems share some basic organizing principles irrespective of their purposes, and that these principles can be modeled mathematically. Introduced by the Austrian biologist Ludwig von Bertalanffy (1901-72) and by the UK economist Kenneth Boulding (1910-93) around the year 1955.