
Chapter I—Introduction to Systems Thinking and Learning 13
Systems Concept #1:
Seven Levels of Living (Open) Systems
In addition to this systems model, we also need to be aware of the seven levels of living
systems, outlined by Kenneth Boulding
4
in his 1964 book, The Meaning of the 20
th
Century. This
key concept on systems’ levels is being used more frequently in today’s organizations. The
seven different levels form a specific hierarchy of living systems:
1.
Cells
—the basic unit of life
2.
Organs
—the organic systems within our bodies
3.
Organism
—single organisms such as humans, animals, fish, birds
4.
Group
—teams, departments, families, etc.
5.
Organization ...