TY - JOUR AU1 - Schwaninger, Markus AB - PurposeThis paper aims to revisit the viable system model (VSM) discussing it from both the theoretical and the empirical standpoints, and ascertaining its relevance for organizational governance.Design/methodology/approachA combination of theoretical and empirical components is used: introduction to theory and critique on the one hand; case studies and a large sample empirical study on the other.FindingsThe VSM has proved to be a powerful means of governance for organizations in turbulent times. It conveys a durable, reliable knowledge. This has been corroborated in both case studies and a large-scale empirical study.Practical implicationsApplication of the model under study can activate a huge potential for the improvement of organizations.Originality/valueThis contribution tests the VSM in an unseen fashion – qualitatively and quantitatively. The results suggest that a high confidence in the model is justified. It conveys to managers and leaders an unconventional, superior approach to both diagnosis and design of their organizations. TI - Governance for intelligent organizations: a cybernetic contribution JF - Kybernetes DO - 10.1108/K-01-2018-0019 DA - 2019-01-14 UR - https://www.deepdyve.com/lp/emerald-publishing/governance-for-intelligent-organizations-a-cybernetic-contribution-iJNHA0XwZ9 SP - 35 EP - 57 VL - 48 IS - 1 DP - DeepDyve