Active meta-process models: a conceptual exposition

Abstract The difficult and complex interactions between an organisation and its Information and Communications Technology (ICT) systems have presented process modelling research with a very fundamental challenge. From these concerns has emerged the concept of the active meta-process model. This sets out a conceptual basis for understanding the organisation/ICT relationship, and has the potential to influence ICT developments. The central concern of this paper is to develop the theoretical grounding of the idea of the active meta-process model. This concept has its lineage in process modelling research. Fundamentally, it is concerned with the relationship between organisations and ICT systems and, in particular, the notion that ICT systems should be viewed as providing an active canvas supporting the organisation. A conceptual exposition is developed by reference to cybernetic theory through the Viable System Model. The paper advocates an holistic and systemic approach to the comprehension and realisation of the ICT/organisational relationship which necessarily requires (a) an understanding of all of the behaviours of an organisation (including specifically the meta behaviours) and (b) a systemic and architectural view of how ICT systems should be formed in order to address the needs of organisations as systems. The outcome of this is a superior conceptual grounding for the notion of active meta-process models, and insights into how the concept might influence practice.