A Systems Approach

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Personnel management, like the management of programs and departments, is best viewed from a systems perspective. A systems approach looks at the organization from a "big picture" perspective. An organization is made up of many interrelated parts and activities. A change in one of these parts may well impact other parts, programs, and activities.

A systems approach highlights the logic of planning. It models the way a management mind would work to solve a problem. Starting with the desired results (outputs), the systems approach defines the inputs (resources) needed to achieve the outcomes.

In emergency services, systems and their subsystems are dynamic and always changing. Managing people is a chain of interrelated activities.

 

 

Reading Assignment For further discussion and illustration of a systems approach as applied to the fire service read the following article by Kramer (1979) reprinted with permission of William Kramer. The Systems Approach.pdf W.M. Kramer. "Systems Approach.'' Advanced Fire Administration Course Guide. Emmitsburg: National Fire Academy Open Learning Fire Service Program, 1979.

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