Systems theory involves studying the complex elements of society, including their beliefs and individuals and how they relate. It comprises four components; sub-system, synergy, system boundary, and open and closed system.
The sub-system shows that each system is a bigger combination of smaller sub-systems. For instance, different departments in an organization make up the organization. Synergy defines the relationships between the different parts of an organization. The different departments must work together to achieve the sum total.
Systems can be open or closed, whereby open systems interact with the environment through raw materials, management, and so on to get the output it sells to society. Closed systems do not need to interact with the environment to produce their products or services.
Finally, there are system boundaries that separate an organization from its environment. In the case of an open system, the boundary is flexible, while in a closed system, the boundary is rigid.