Organizational cooperation for cultural heritage—A viable systems approach

In: Systems research and behavioral science: the official journal of the International Federation for Systems Research, Band 28, Heft 1, S. 77-90

Abstract

AbstractThis paper provides a good example of organizing in order to establish cooperation and responsibility for digital preservation. This is explored in relation to the Viable System Model (VSM) with accompanying theories, and builds on empirical material from a Swedish governmental authority. The VSM is used to reach understandings of the authority's situation, with focus on the VSM theories around responsibility and cooperation. I have found that digital preservation work is facilitated e.g. when one department deals with one preservation process (collect, preserve or make accessible), personnel have a holistic perspective on the authority and communication and coordination channels are established. I additionally have found that the VSM focus on processes and functions is advantageous since this clarifies what is actually done, as well as who among personnel is doing what. In turn, this helps to clarify who should be responsible for what, and also where cooperation is essential. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.