A Dual Aspect Model: Modeling Systems Alignment

In literature, individuals, organizations, 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 and manage the interaction, alignment, and conflict between systems. Our initial dual aspect model consisted of overlapping semiotic onions [14], however model results did not match empirical data. When onion layer orders were adapted to reflect Hall's Major Triad definitions [6], system layer interaction was found to fit well with empirical data collected within modern organizations. Decomposition of the model allows academics and / or practitioners to consider systems alignment stages. Moreover, correction of layer definitions facilitates consideration of norms at the core belief / conceptual level, which supports analysis of human intention. In summary, this paper proposes a newly validated four layered onion structure and the dual alignment pathways, which can be used together to consistently represent and manage alignment between systems (i.e. individuals, technologies and/or organizational systems). The overlapping of these onions, can also be used to study the technical, formal, and informal interplay between individual, organizational and technology aspects.