How autopoietic cybernetics can contribute to humanitarian supply network operations

Purpose: This research examines whether an autopoietic cybernetic model can assist in achieving greater effectiveness and efficiency in the humanitarian supply chain paradigm. It demonstrates how Systems Thinking is required to achieve a holistic view of humanitarian supply operations, to resolve the issues and challenges arising through the complexity inherent in humanitarian supply networks. Research Approach: This research considers the complexity of humanitarian supply chains in terms of control and information flow, and how commercial supply chain management theoretical models have been used in an attempt to resolve humanitarian supply chain issues. These models have proven largely unsuccessful in unstable, highly volatile, austere situations with often-conflicting stakeholder agendas. Even with adaption, they contribute little to the humanitarian environment. There is currently no single framework that captures humanitarian supply networks as bespoke and separate entities, reflecting their own unique complexity, challenges and issues. And as a result, a theoretical problem exists. Findings and Originality: Primary data from semi-structured interviews is analysed using grounded theory and documentary narrative analysis is applied to abstract data derived from a bespoke meta-synthesis process. The output from each data set is subjected to iterative triangulation. A theoretical case is then constructed and a conceptual framework through which the roles, challenges and information flows that occur within humanitarian supply networks is identified. By taking a holistic approach, this research takes a new perspective in the critique of existing frameworks. Specifically, by taking a systems thinking approach to the humanitarian supply chain paradigm, the Viable Systems Model (VSM) is considered as the conceptual basis of a supply network system in a harmonious, steady state, augmented by an adapted Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) concept model to bring it back into alignment when it loses equilibrium as a result of uncoordinated decision-making and unforeseen challenges. The inability to collect ethnographic data in global locations during 2020 and 2021 is resolved by creating a metasynthesis process whereby ‘abstract’ primary data in the form of ‘most likely case scenario’ is derived from existing secondary sources to produce a theoretical case. It is a form of reverse grounded theory which takes its academic rigour from the principles of grounded theory. Research Impact: For the first time, systems thinking has been applied across the whole humanitarian supply chain paradigm. It demonstrates the lack of bespoke supply chain theory and posits that no existing model gives a holistic understanding of the humanitarian supply chain where vertical and horizontal information flows, stakeholder engagement and business processes are captured together. Furthermore, the meta-synthesis process to derive abstract primary data is presented, which could be further developed as a methodological concept. Practical Impact: By combining VSM and SSM into a single conceptual framework, not only could humanitarian supply networks function as a single system, but the combination of these two systems concepts allows the system to cybernetically selfregulate: humanitarian supply chain management as an autopoietic social system. Challenges regarding control and governance exist in practical terms but these could be resolved through a general acceptance of the concept and adoption of working practices that build on existing shared values, common understanding and mutual organisational respect, and through a process of co-creation.