The contribution of systems science to information systems research

Systems science has been considered the basis for information systems. A wealth of research in information systems in the framework of systems science has produced an astonishing array of theoretical results and empirical insights, and a large suite of tools and methods. This paper aims at reviewing the contribution of systems science to information systems research and tracing how concepts and findings in systems science have been applied, extended and refined in information systems research. As we approach the end of twentieth century, this paper points out that systems science is a necessity to deal with the overwhelming systems complexity in the information era of the next century. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.