It is important to understand the distinction between convergent and divergent systems. Convergent systems are often thought of as closed systems. They are in some way separated from the wider universe and so it is possible to control their performance. To a degree the idea of a closed system is an illusion. Every system must be a part of the wider universe and will to some degree be influenced by the wider universe. However, a convergent system will be closed enough to enable the parameters to the system to be set. So, for example, it is possible to design an engine to specific tolerances because an engine is a system which can be isolated sufficiently to enable engineers to do the calculations and come up with a solution. Sometimes, the solution will be approximate and the resulting engine will be seen as a step towards the desired engine.
In other words a series of designs (over time or by different engineers) will converge upon certain types of engine. There may be more than one solution or there may be better designs yet to be discovered but in principle a single solution or set of solutions will emerge. Technology may be a limitation on these systems, eg Charles Babbage was able to design his difference engine but unable to find parts that were accurate enough for him to assemble a working engine. Crucible steel was invented when watch makers found contemporary steel was too brittle to make watch springs.
The fact that engineers work within tolerances shows that these convergent systems are to some degree open to wider universe. Better designs might improve the performance of engines but there will always be limitations; the aim is to minimise them so that systems can be designed within any given tolerances.
Divergent systems are different not because they are less accurate but because there are multiple solutions. Instead of one or a few possible outcomes there are numerous possibilities and the more that is known about the system the more possible outcomes there are. In general human systems are like this, so are many natural systems.
It is easy in a business with a hierarchical management system to believe you are in effect working in a convergent system. Employees will do as they are told or else they won't be paid. If the business involves manufacturing, it is likely most employees will perform a number of repetitive activities. This is known as Taylorism (after its inventor) and the method deployed is time and motion studies leading to tighter definition of activities for each worker.
But most human systems are not like this and any business with this type of structure today will, if it still survives, find this inflexible structure undermines its long term survival prospects. The problem is that many managers do not understand this and still have a Taylorist model in mind when they attempt to manage an organisation. Churches are not exempt from this.
Human systems are divergent. There is no single model for human systems. Sometimes these are called soft systems. It is possible to analyse and understand them but through a different approach to convergent systems. I will describe them in a future post.
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