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.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Background of social systems theory
2.1. Autopoiesis in general
2.2. Autopoiesis adapted by Luhmann
3. Basic ideas and axioms of Luhmann’s theory of social functional systems
3.1. Communication as central element
3.2. Social Systems: Society, Organizations and Interactions
4. Definition of structural coupling
4.1. Example of structural coupling: Apple’s supply chain problem
4.2. Evaluation of Structural Coupling Example
4.3. Evaluation of Apple’s behavior on basis of ethics and morality
5. Critical Evaluation of Luhmann’s theory
6. Conclusion
Objectives and Research Scope
This paper explores the foundational axioms of Niklas Luhmann’s theory of social functional systems, specifically examining the mechanism of structural coupling. It aims to bridge complex theoretical concepts with practical reality by applying Luhmann’s framework to the supply chain controversies of Apple Inc. to analyze how distinct societal systems interact.
- Theoretical foundations of autopoiesis and social systems.
- The role of communication as the primary element of social systems.
- Differentiation between societal subsystems and their binary coding.
- Mechanisms and practical application of structural coupling.
- Critical analysis of ethical implications and Luhmannian theory.
Excerpt from the Book
4.1. Example of structural coupling: Apple’s supply chain problem
Having discussed the basic nature of Luhmann’s theory of social systems, we can now apply it to a real-case scenario. In 2012, one of the most successful companies around the global wrote negative headlines. There is talk of the high-tech giant Apple. Factory explosions in Chengdu and Shanghai for example, workers committing suicide, and bad working conditions including extended working hours, inhuman living accommodations and salary less than minimum wage at their supplier Foxconn were accusations the company had to face. The company was set under pressure due to accusations of not persisting on better conditions at their supplier. None of the above mentioned criticism was any different in the previous years until there was a sharp change in 2012. The New York Times published the article ‘In China, Human Costs Are Built Into an iPad’ (Duhigg and Barboza, 2012) and with that, “Apple’s supply chain odyssey” (Crane and Matten, 2012) was addressed and discussed in public. This article was followed by a number other articles of news organizations that were addressing this issue. After several request from advocacy and news organizations, Apple in a first step published their list of suppliers which is regarded as unusual in this industry (Gupta, 2012). A further response to the harsh criticism was that the company joined the Fair Labor Association (FLA) as first technology company ever. FLA is responsible for monitoring working conditions and was amongst others founded by Nike Corporation who had immense troubles with their supply chain as well (Stanley and Satariano, 2012). Another reaction of Apple was that they implemented a report on the working hours of the suppliers’ employees. With this step, they want to more openly pay attention to workers rights. However, the most surprising reaction was that Apple began to produce one Mac line in the US rather than in China (Crane and Matten, 2012) and they plan to further invest in the US (BBC News, 2012).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the biographical background of Niklas Luhmann and the paper's motivation to apply his complex systems theory to contemporary real-life scenarios.
2. Background of social systems theory: Provides the biological origins of autopoiesis and details how Luhmann transitioned this concept into a general sociological framework.
3. Basic ideas and axioms of Luhmann’s theory of social functional systems: Explains communication as the essential element of social systems and defines the distinction between society, organizations, and interactions.
4. Definition of structural coupling: Analyzes the connection between operatively closed systems and their environments, applying the theory to the Apple-Foxconn scandal and associated ethical questions.
5. Critical Evaluation of Luhmann’s theory: Discusses common critiques of Luhmann's work, including the exclusion of individuals from society and the potential limitations of binary "black-and-white" coding.
6. Conclusion: Synthesizes the core axioms of the theory and reinforces the utility of Luhmann’s approach in analyzing the complexities of modern society.
Keywords
Social functional systems, Niklas Luhmann, structural coupling, Apple, autopoiesis, communication, binary coding, mass media, business, systems theory, ethics, morality, social systems, supply chain, functional differentiation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this paper?
The paper introduces Niklas Luhmann’s theory of social functional systems, explaining how communication constitutes the primary element of society and how systems maintain their operations while interacting through structural coupling.
Which central themes are examined?
Key themes include the concept of autopoiesis, functional differentiation, the use of binary codes within subsystems, and the relationship between organizational operations and external societal pressures.
What is the primary research objective?
The goal is to provide a clear explanation of Luhmann’s complex axioms and test their applicability by analyzing the corporate response of Apple to labor scandals using the concept of structural coupling.
What scientific methodology is utilized?
The research is based on a theoretical literature review and a case study approach, evaluating contemporary business events through the lens of Luhmann’s sociological systems framework.
What is covered in the main section?
The main section details the shift from biological autopoiesis to sociological systems, defines communication, examines societal subsystems, and provides a detailed case analysis of Apple's interaction with the media.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as Social Functional Systems, Luhmann, Autopoiesis, Structural Coupling, and Binary Coding.
How does Luhmann define 'structural coupling' in this context?
Structural coupling refers to the mechanism whereby operatively closed systems (such as business or media) perceive environmental events as irritations, leading to a minimal fit or correlated reaction without losing their internal autonomy.
How does the Apple case study demonstrate the limitations of subsystems?
The case illustrates how the business subsystem (focused on profit/no-profit) initially fails to "understand" the moral pressure applied by the mass media (focused on information/no-information), leading to friction that only resolved when the company adapted its communications.
Why is morality not considered a functional system?
According to the author's interpretation of Luhmann, morality lacks the functional differentiation found in other systems and acts as a "fever of society," providing a holistic judgment rather than a specialized binary operation.
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- Ramona Mayer (Autor:in), 2014, The Theory of Social Functional Systems by Niklas Luhmann, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/300280
