Society for Managerial and Social Cybernetics (GWS)
Who are we?
The GWS was founded in 1968 as an academic society to promote the development and use of cybernetic thinking in the economy and the society. Today it has established itself in the German-speaking area as a community and forum that brings together practitioners and academics who are interested in discussing and applying cybernetic ideas to current challenges in management and business, and to economic and societal issues.
What is our focus?
Particular focus of GWS is on stimulating the reflective and generative relationship between research and practice. Principal aims of the society involve studying the successful application of cybernetic thinking in the economy and social organizations; broadening scholarship in managerial and social cybernetics – particularly in inter-disciplinary settings; education and training of researchers and practitioners on the application of cybernetic principles; and promoting uptake of cybernetic ideas in practice. Members of GWS engage towards these goals through developing, discussing and applying models, concepts, managerial policies, operational procedures, information systems, forms of dialogue and other measures to theoretical and practical problems.
What are our activities?
The GWS organizes annual conferences and round table meetings to stimulate exchange of ideas between the members of the society and those interested. In the meetings, reports on current topics are presented and discussed. Beyond the meetings, the society serves as a reference point to facilitate access to cybernetic expertise. Focus is on personal interaction and on maintaining the dialogue between the society’s members and those interested.