Applying the Viable System Model to Local Government in a Post-Pandemic Context

Abstract

The pandemic has challenged local government organizations to respond to highly dynamic environments involving health, social, educational, and economic changes. Recognizing local government organizations as systems optimizes them to respond and excel in their ability to serve the public. The purpose of this conceptual chapter is to assess the viable system model's (VSM) efficacy as a vehicle for evaluation within the context of local government organizations, and to determine what enhancements to the model might be needed for post-pandemic application. The viable system model may benefit from the integration of complementary enhancements that may humanize the VSM for use in a post-pandemic context. Ultimately, the new reality of the post-pandemic era calls for systems thinking to reveal ways to structure service delivery reliably and innovatively.