Triple bottom line and systems theory

Triple Bottom Line as an Extrapolation of Systems Theory

The universe is a deeply complex matrix of interwoven parts, none of which can be separated from one another in rational scientific consideration. This is the argument proposed by Systems Theory, an encompassing model for examining the interdependencies that comprise all fields of research. Indeed, the Systems Theory has extremely far-reaching implications which, if accepted, apply to infinite practical possibilities for 'transdisciplinary' study. (Heyighen & Joslyn, 1)

According to Heyighen & Joslyn (1992), the model was first introduced in the 1940s by biologist Ludwig von Beralanffy. He had endeavored to bring what Heyighen & Joslyn call a 'unite' to the field of science, a reaction to the splintering and specialization of scientific disciplines and their respective theoretical constructs. It was thus that Bertalanffy "emphasized that real systems are open to, and interact with, their environments, and that they can acquire qualitatively new properties through emergence, resulting in continual evolution." (Heyighen & Joslyn, 1)

The induction of this theory would be instrumental in the evolution of countless fields by the very nature of its intended universality. It is thus that it would have a determinant impact on the way that organizational theory has been approached, mathematical perspectives have been queried, psychosocial research has been catalogued and philosophical models have been developed. A prominent example of this is the application of systems analysis, which is critical to fields such as engineering and computing. According to Heyighen & Joslyn "systems analysis, developed independently of systems theory, applies systems principles to aid a decisIon-maker with problems of identifying, reconstructing, optimizing, and controlling a system (usually a socio-technical organization), while taking into account multiple objectives, constraints and resources." (Heyighen & Joslyn, 1)

Essentially, the theoretical construct allowed for the broadening of the research scope in all disciplines. This would justify the introduction of complex, nuanced and creative correlations into any number of fields. For instance, this would change the discourse on organizational theory, a context in which reductionism governed industrial era thinking. The Systems Theory offered a counterpoint to the simplification of certain labor and resource approaches, helping to pave the way for the prospects of labor improvement and, increasingly, sustainability. Indeed, the Systems Theory is implicitly endorsed by such constructs as the Triple Bottom Line theory. This is a construct which is growing in influence and is somewhat deceptively couched in what seems to be a simplification of organizational principles. The Triple Bottom Line theory argues that organizational success can be achieved through a simple three-pillar model which concerns people, profits and planet. (Votaw, 1)

In spite of its rhetorical simplicity, this denotes an overlapping of rather complex ideas. Votaw (2008) reports that "the term 'triple bottom line' was first used in 1989 by sustainability consultant John Elkington to define business success, and has since become a common term, although not well understood. It measures performance in three ways: by social, economic and environmental factors." (Votaw, 1)