Wise Organizations?

Abstract

This chapter explores the ways that wisdom and wise action appear in the work of organizations and asks how systems can be designed to support that. Building on C. West Churchman’s thought experiment with five philosophers about how to improve the design of systems, the author asks and brings fresh answers to the questions, “What is wisdom?” and “What is wisdom in organizations?” The author offers a series of six brief reflections about foundations that he believes can make the design of systems that support people in acting wisely far easier to do. The chapter concludes with a case example of a system illustrating many of the chapter’s themes and specific recommendations for IT designers about how to think from the chapter’s suggestions. The author hopes to build a richer background for IT designers, leading to systems that do a better job of supporting people in the wise exercise of their responsibilities in all kinds of organizations.