A Systematic Review of the Viable System Model: Applications, Insights, and Future Directions

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

• Mohammad Reza Fathi
• Soraya Birami
• Alireza Payvar
• SeyedAli Doorafshan

Departmen of Industrial Management, Faculty of Management and Accounting, College of Farabi, University of Tehran, Qom, Iran.

10.22067/jstinp.2025.91552.1136

Abstract

The Viable System Model (VSM) is a foundational framework in organizational cybernetics, designed to manage complexity and ensure systemic viability in dynamic environments. Given the increasing importance of this model in addressing complex organizational challenges, the primary objective of this research is to conduct a comprehensive and systematic review of existing studies in the field of the Viable System Model. This review aims to identify and analyze the practical areas of this model, evaluate its challenges and opportunities in confronting contemporary systemic issues, and extract key insights from 21 peer-reviewed studies. By synthesizing and analyzing the findings of these studies, this paper intends to provide a clear and coherent picture of the Viable System Model's current state and future potential. The process of identifying relevant studies was conducted using the PRISMA method, which involved searching the Scopus database and performing manual searches. This study employs a bibliometric research design, utilizing a quantitative approach and combining bibliometric and network analysis to examine the landscape of VSM research. Key findings highlight VSM’s role in enhancing organizational resilience, improving decentralized decision-making, and enabling systemic adaptability. The integration of VSM with emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence, digital twins, and big data analytics—demonstrates its potential to address contemporary organizational challenges. However, critical gaps remain, including limited empirical validation, insufficient applications in underrepresented sectors such as agriculture and education, and scalability issues for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The study emphasizes the need for longitudinal research, hybrid frameworks, and sector-specific models to enhance the theoretical and practical utility of VSM. By synthesizing recent applications and identifying research opportunities, this paper reinforces the significance of VSM as a robust approach to managing complexity and outlines pathways for future research.

Keywords

• Viable System Model
• Systematic Review
• Organizational Cybernetics
• Complexity Management

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