The Theory of Social Functional Systems by Niklas Luhmann

Hausarbeit (Hauptseminar) , 2014 , 19 Seiten , Note: 1,2

Soziologie - Allgemeines und Grundlagen

This paper introduces the theory of social functional systems by Niklas Luhmann who is a great representative of systems theory in sociology.
As his theory is based on the concept of autopoiesis, the original autopoiesis concept of Maturana and Valdera is shortly demonstrated as well as the way of how Luhmann shaped it into a general autopoiesis concept. This general introduction is followed by a detailed explanation of ideas of Luhmann’s social systems theory.
As his theory is communication-based rather than action-based, the element of communication is further explored. Additionally, the social systems of society, organization and interaction are defined whereas the main focus is on society as social system. Within this context, several subsystems of society are explicated together with their appropriate coding, program, medium and function. Furthermore, the idea of structural coupling which can be described as relation between systems and their environments is implemented.

After having a complete picture of the theory, the paper focuses on the practical example of Apple and the problems within its supply chain. This scandal is analyzed according to Luhmann’s social systems theory. As a last step, the role of ethics and morality within social systems theory are evaluated on basis of the Apple case. The paper finishes with a critical evaluation of Luhmann’s whole theory which also includes important criticism.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Background of social systems theory
  • Autopoiesis in general
  • Autopoiesis adapted by Luhmann
• Basic ideas and axioms of Luhmann's theory of social functional systems
  • Communication as central element
  • Social Systems: Society, Organizations and Interactions
• Definition of structural coupling
  • Example of structural coupling: Apple's supply chain problem
  • Evaluation of Structural Coupling Example
  • Evaluation of Apple's behavior on basis of ethics and morality
• Critical Evaluation of Luhmann's theory
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper aims to introduce Luhmann's theory of social functional systems and demonstrate its relevance through the example of Apple's supply chain problems. The paper explores the concept of autopoiesis, communication as a central element in social systems, and the idea of structural coupling. It further examines the role of ethics and morality within Luhmann's framework.

• The theory of social functional systems by Niklas Luhmann
• The concept of autopoiesis and its adaptation by Luhmann
• Communication as the central element of social systems
• Structural coupling between systems and their environments
• Ethics and morality within social systems theory

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The introduction provides an overview of Luhmann's life and work, highlighting his focus on communication-based social systems theory. It also outlines the paper's objectives and structure.

The second chapter explores the concept of autopoiesis, both in its general form and as adapted by Luhmann. This section lays the foundation for understanding Luhmann's social systems theory.

The third chapter delves into the core ideas of Luhmann's theory, emphasizing the centrality of communication and the different types of social systems: society, organizations, and interactions. This chapter also discusses key elements such as binary coding, program, medium, and function.

The fourth chapter defines the concept of structural coupling and provides an example of its application in Apple's supply chain problems. This section analyzes the ethical and moral implications of the case.

The fifth chapter presents a critical evaluation of Luhmann's theory, acknowledging its strengths and weaknesses.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The paper focuses on the theory of social functional systems, autopoiesis, communication, structural coupling, binary coding, ethics, and morality. The example of Apple and its supply chain problems serves as a practical illustration of these concepts.

• Hochschule: Hochschule Reutlingen (ESB Business School)
• Note: 1,2
• Autor: Ramona Mayer (Autor:in)
• Erscheinungsjahr: 2014
• Seiten: 19
• Katalognummer: V300280
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656967521
• ISBN (Buch): 9783656967538
• Sprache: Englisch
• Schlagworte: Social functional systems, Niklas Luhmann, structural coupling, communication, binary coding, mass media, Apple, ethics, business ethics, autopoiesis