The Viable System Model (VSM) can seem complex at first glance, with its abundance of symbols, lines, and loops. However, it becomes surprisingly straightforward when connected to the fundamental activities of real-world organizations. Since my mission of disseminating the VSM is going on, I am launching a series of concise, activity-based explanations. These are designed not only to support learners but also to provide ideas for VSM coaches and consultants (especially, when it is about explaining it to clients).

Part 1: A family through the lens of the Viable System Model

Let’s map the typical activities of a family along the systems of the VSM.

System 1 (Operational Units)

Represents the activities directly producing value (in a family context, these are day-to-day operations).

1. Preparing meals.
2. Helping children with homework.
3. Cleaning the house.
4. Driving children to school or extracurricular activities.
5. Running errands like grocery shopping.
6. Fixing household items (e.g., repairing a faucet).
7. Engaging in family leisure activities (e.g., playing games or watching movies).

System 2 (Coordination)

Ensures the smooth interplay of operational units, avoiding conflicts or oscillations.

1. Synchronizing schedules for school, work, and leisure.
2. Coordinating morning routines (e.g., who uses the bathroom when).
3. Planning shared family meals.
4. Managing overlapping activities (e.g., who picks up children when both parents are busy).
5. Organizing family calendars for events like birthdays and holidays.
6. Setting household rules (e.g., quiet hours).
7. Mediating conflicts between siblings.

System 3 (Operational Management)

Oversees the operational units and ensures resources are allocated effectively.

1. Budgeting and managing family finances, short- and mid-term focus.
2. Planning grocery shopping, ensuring the household has essential supplies while staying within the budget.
3. Planning family purchases (e.g., clothing or weekend trips).
4. Setting and enforcing house rules (e.g., curfews, chores).
5. Ensuring everyone contributes to household responsibilities.
6. Handling repairs or maintenance (e.g., hiring a plumber for complex issues).
7. Organizing health check-ups or vaccinations for the family.

System 3* (Audit and Monitoring)

Conducts periodic checks to ensure the effectiveness of System 1.

1. Reviewing the family budget and expenditures.
2. Checking if house rules are being followed.
3. Monitoring children’s school performance through report cards.
4. Assessing the effectiveness of chore assignments.
5. Verifying household safety measures (e.g., fire alarms are functioning).
6. Evaluating the success of major family projects (e.g., vacation planning).
7. Listening to feedback from family members about governance decisions.

System 4 (Development and Strategy)

Focuses on the external environment and prepares the family for future challenges and opportunities.

1. Planning future vacations or major family events.
2. Saving for children’s education.
3. Exploring new hobbies or activities as a family.
4. Adapting routines based on external factors (e.g., changes in work or school schedules).
5. Keeping up with technology to enhance family life (e.g., upgrading the Wi-Fi).
6. Discussing long-term goals, like moving to a new home.
7. Teaching children future-oriented skills, like financial literacy or critical thinking.

System 5 (Identity and Policy)

Defines the family’s core values, purpose, and long-term vision.

1. Establishing family traditions and rituals (e.g., holiday customs).
2. Defining core values (e.g., respect, honesty, responsibility).
3. Deciding on ethical stances (e.g., environmental sustainability practices).
4. Setting a vision for the family’s legacy (e.g., fostering education or charity).
5. Resolving major conflicts to maintain family unity.
6. Guiding children on moral and ethical decision-making.
7. Reflecting on the family’s identity during significant milestones (e.g., weddings, anniversaries).

Algedonic Channel (Signals of Pain and Pleasure)

Alerts the family to significant changes or issues, triggering a response from the metasystem (System 2–5).

1. Child’s illness (pain) → System 2 coordinates doctor visits; System 3 prioritizes resources.
2. Academic achievement (pleasure) → System 3 rewards the child; System 5 reinforces educational values.
3. A broken appliance (pain) → System 3* checks for alternatives; System 3 oversees repairs.
4. Successful family gathering (pleasure) → System 5 reflects on family unity.
5. Unexpected financial strain (pain) → System 4 revises long-term savings plans.
6. A family member excelling in a hobby (pleasure) → System 4 explores future opportunities.
7. A conflict between siblings (pain) → System 2 mediates; System 3 ensures adherence to house rules.

I hope this example gives you a feeling of what the systems of the VSM are doing and how thew are related to each other via an inclusive logic.

Check out VSMGPT to learn more about the Viable System Model