System
"A perceived whole whose elements 'hang together' because they
continually affect each other over time and towards a common purpose."
(Senge, 1994, p. 90) Examples of systems are living
organisms, a business organization, environmental ecosystems and
political organizations. Almost anything that can be defined as a whole
can be viewed as part of a system or also a system in itself. The only
requirement is that it must have an affect of something else.
Compiled by
Chris Hagner cch1@cec.wustl.edu
Last updated 10/28/94.