Social Systems Need Open Networks.
Social Systems Need Open Networks.
An open network is one in which all providers and agencies are welcome to participate. This network differs from cost-driven models, which organize a limited pool of "in-network" providers based on acceptance of a fee schedule.
W. Ross Ashby was an early systems theorist in cybernetics, the science of control and communication. He is known for Ashby's law, which would become the first law of cybernetics called "The Law of Requisite Variety." This principle has since been empirically validated many times and is directly relevant to the nature of the pool of providers available to collaborate. The gist of the law is that if the system we use to improve a problem cannot respond appropriately and with equal nuance to changes in the situation, we will lose control.
If our problem were a game of basketball, and the other team had more skills, was faster and more innovative, and consistently reacted well under pressure, our team would not control the game and lose. We need to begin with the knowledge that problems within a social system are brilliant because people drive them. We cannot anticipate every need or circumstance. Open networks more quickly deliver excess specialization and capacity in response to need.
The Curandi model uses guided self-organization to optimize client support toward the next best step forward. Each step needs a pool of providers and services to choose from.
Curandi uses this system principle to succeed. We must align our actions with the laws of the system in which we live. For social system problems, we will succeed more often by ensuring we have the requisite variety to achieve a solution.