Viable systems diagnosis: an adaptive agent?

This paper presents rationale for the use of Viable Systems Diagnosis as an adaptive agent in organizations. Using action research the work in progress involves changing a viable but undesirable viable system V S 1 into a required system VS2 . VSD, a methodology categorising interdependent feedback and control of five operative components - implementation, coordination, control, information and policy was deemed appropriate to address organisational issues arising from a demonstrated radically dynamic environment. It is argued that the recursive nature of VSD creates information flows revealing the influence of system variables such as power bases. The paper suggests the amalgam of VSD with emergent inquiry techniques such as Participatory Action Research and Cooperative inquiry can address system variables surfacing tacit knowledge. The paper makes recommendations heading adaptation toward VS2 . VSD is concluded as a technique that provides enabling conditions in establishing interdependent feedback of the five operative system components and a positive way of progressing adaptation.