12 Natural Laws of
(Human/Social) Systems:

In physics, there are the laws of gravity and laws of motion. Within (human/social) systems on earth, there are 12 Natural Laws of (Human/Social) Systems from the General Systems Theory research that describe how systems operate and function.

The original research was first published in the 1972 Yearbook of the Society for General Systems Research through the Academy of Management Journal, December 1972. This research listed the 12 Codes or DNA of Successful Living Systems of all types.

The 12 Natural Laws or characteristics occur at each of the Eight Levels of (Human/Social) Systems. A system is made up of two things: its sum and its parts. Thus, the 12 Laws characterize the whole and its inner workings, as described below.

Best Practices:

Part I: The Whole System

  

Traditional Human Dynamics:
1. Holism
Overall broader perspectives (ends, purpose-focused, synergy, transformational) 		1. Parts Focused
Suboptimal results, narrower views, means
2. Open Systems
Open to environment (implications are clear) 		2. Closed Systems
Low environmental scanning or concern, parts-focused
3. Boundaries
Clarity of system (integrated, collaborative, complementary) 		3. Fragmented/Inflexible
Turf battles, voids, overlaps, duplication
4. Input/Output
How natural systems operate (“backwards thinking”) 		4. Sequential
Linear, mechanistic, piecemeal/analytic, forecasts
5. Feedback
Feedback provided on effectiveness/root causes 		5. Low Feedback
Financial only fear, defensiveness, lack of measures
6. Multiple Outcomes
Goal seeking at all levels 		6. Conflict
Artificial “either/or” thinking “yes, but”, one result only

Part II: The Inner Workings
7. Equifinality
Flexible and adaptive 		7. Direct Cause-Effect
One best way, quick fix fails, activity-focused
8. Entropy
Needs follow-up, inputs of energy, renewal 		8. Natural Decline
Obsolescence, rigidity and death
9. Hierarchy
Flatter organization and self organizing (productive order emerges) 		9. Bureaucracy
Command and control, policy paramount, centralize decisions
10. Relationships-Related Parts
Patterns, webs, interdependence, and leverage 		10. Separate Parts
Components, silos, individualism, parts are primary
11. Dynamic Equilibrium
Maintain stability and balance/culture, self-regulating 		11. Resistance to Change
Myopic view ruts, habits, root causes delayed in time and space
12. Internal Elaboration
Details and sophistication, clarity, and simplicity 		12. Complexity
Confusion/chaos