Abstract/Summary

In literature, individuals, organisations, and technology can all been modelled as systems. This paper justifies the need for, and describes the development of a dual aspect model, which can be used to model the interaction, alignment, and conflict between multiple systems. The initial dual aspect model consisted of overlapping semiotic onions [13], however modelled results did not match empirical data. When onion layer orders were adapted to reflect the original Major Triad definitions [6], system layer interaction were found to fit well with empirical data collected within modern organisations. Decomposition of the model allows academics and practitioners to consider systems alignment stages. Moreover, adaption of layer definitions facilitates consideration of the core beliefs / concepts, allowing analysis of human intention. In summary, this paper proposes a newly validated four layered onion structure, which can be used to consistently represent either individuals, technologies and/or organisational systems. The overlapping of these onions, can also be used to study the technical, formal, and informal interplay between individual, organisational and technology aspects.