Metaphorum 2026 · Toward Resilient and Ethical Viable Systems

Rethinking Organisational Networks: Practical Insights from Applying the Viable System Model in Real World Ecosystems

Purpose: Organizational networks are often approached as if they were conventional organizations, despite their fundamentally different nature. Drawing on our work with more than 20 networks across mental health care, palliative care, youth care, mobility, circular economy, and labour market integration, this presentation shows how the Viable System Model (VSM) helps networks understand their identity, governance, and contribution within larger ecosystems. Methods: Using case examples throughout, we present a practice-based approach developed through long-term coaching, training, and facilitation. VSM is applied across multiple recursion levels by distinguishing the network as ecosystem, the network as a bounded partnership, and the network as an organization. This perspective supports governance design, stakeholder engagement, and strategic development. Findings: Illustrated by cases from different sectors, we show how confusion between recursion levels often leads to misunderstandings about governance, responsibilities, and purpose. VSM enables participants to distinguish these perspectives, creating a shared understanding of the network's identity and role. This, in turn, supports richer strategic conversations about the network's intended contribution, strengthens collaboration among partners, and increases engagement across the network. Implications/Contributions: By grounding conceptual insights in diverse practice cases, the presentation demonstrates how VSM can be effectively applied to organizational networks and offers researchers and practitioners practical approaches for diagnosing, designing, and developing viable multi-organizational collaborations. Speaker: Benny Corvers — Prepared Mind

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