The Organic Systems Framework: A New Paradigm for Understanding and Intervening in Organizational Life

In this persuasively argued booklet, Barry Oshry establishes that, despite frequent references to paradigms in management and organization literature, there are no scientific paradigms in this field (as defined by Thomas Kuhn in his landmark essay on the subject – The Structure of Scientific Revolutions).

He goes on to make the case for the Organic System Framework (OSF) being a legitimate candidate for paradigm status. The OSF describes patterns of systemic relationship that exist at all levels and in all types of social systems – family, sports team, work unit, etc. Regardless of our designated roles or positions, we are constantly moving in and out of these relationships.

He concludes by setting out three core reasons for proposing OSF as a prime paradigm candidate and outlines five broad avenues for future research.