System’s sustainability entails the creation and maintenance of an effective system that assists in designing, planning, incorporating and implementing its own vision by considering its various components. Since a system entails many different components, there is a need to attach equal importance to the separate parts that make up a complete system. It is therefore imperative to discuss the systems thinking theory as well as the nature step theory in order to fully appreciate system sustainability.
The theory of systems thinking sustainability employs the analogy of functionality of a human body by arguing that sustainability of the lifeblood of the body cannot be successful in isolation (Brown, 2005). Hence, the balance between support systems of the different parts of the body needs to be maintained for a given system to remain effective.
For instance, each part of the body system contributes to the whole process leading to effective and full functioning of the body. From the system, the theory continues to postulate that after achieving personal health for effective body functioning, an individual becomes happy if the immediate environment including family and friends fosters healthy relationships and thus becomes useful in a strong community.
In comparison, the theory suggests that sustainable businesses cannot exist without direction of the major components of these enterprises towards sustainability. These components include shareholders, employees, clients and suppliers to name a few. In this regard, businesses are required to heavily borrow from nature for natural systems, which if left undisturbed, will always remain efficient in carrying out natural functions (Brown, 2005).
The natural step theory
The natural step theory attempts to explain the implication of decisions affecting the future. It states that factors critical to determination of success entail positive vision creation towards a desired state. The theory stipulates that to reach a desired goal, there must be an involvement of the several steps which are distinct from each other.
Additionally, fixation at one step is heavily discouraged as it affects the natural step. The first step towards vision materialization commences with a drawback from the vision. This is intended to create a route/path from the present to the future. Moving forward, the created future starts with one step and each has to have an ending progressively and successfully. After successful completion of each step, there is a remarkable progression (Nattrass & Altomare, 1999).
Ramification through application
Systems theory explains that within places of work, there are different entities and thus each entity should be treated in a unique way. As such, there is a need to create value for all involved parties such as shareholders, employees and society at large (Banal & Hoffman, 2011; O’Toole, 1995).
Hitchcock and Willard (2009) argue that when corporations try to create such environments, especially when integrating vision with purpose and other factors such as performance of committed groups that can be always sustainable in single enterprises, they encounter difficulties. The solution to associated difficulties lies in recognition of the components of the whole system and how each works.
Senge, Smith, Kruschwitz, Laur and Schley (2010) contend that natural step theory makes the application of the premises of progression to be successful. In making successful and progressive motions within a business enterprise, there is a need to bear in mind the goals and objectives that guide an organization to its desired vision.
Since any given vision is stated in company goals and objectives, materializing the same vision commences with clear definition of the goals and objectives. Drawing a sketchy plan towards achieving it helps in making a clear plan towards attaining this vision (Nattrass & Altomare, 1999).
In summing up, these applications bring forth the differences between the two theories. Whereas the first one implies the whole, the latter regards one part. Although systems theory takes a combined approach for the wellbeing of employees and corporations, the second theory takes into consideration the wellbeing of a company through its vision. In addition, systems theory expounds on benefits of sharing.
References
Banal, P.& Hoffman, A. J.(2011). The Oxford Handbook of Business and the Natural Environment. Oxford: Oxford university press.
Brown, C. S. (2005). The sustainable enterprise: profiting from best practice. London: Koga page.
Hitchcock, D., & Willard, M. (2009). The business guide to sustainability: Practical strategies and tools for organizations. London, UK: Earthscan.
Nattrass, B, B. F. & Altomare, M. (1999). The natural step for business: wealth, ecology and the evolutionary corporation. Boston: Wiley.
O’Toole, J. (1995). The executive’s compass. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Senge, P., Smith, B., Kruschwitz, N. Laur, J. & Schley, S. (2010). The necessary revolution: How individuals and organizations are working together to create a sustainable world. New York. Broadway Business Publishing.