Understanding the General System Theory of Communication

The question asks about the originator of the 'General System Theory of Communication'. This theory views communication as a complex system involving multiple interconnected parts rather than just a simple linear process.

Exploring the Originator of General System Theory

The concept of General System Theory itself, which can be applied to various fields including communication, was primarily developed by a renowned biologist.

• General System Theory (GST): This is an interdisciplinary field that studies the nature of systems in a wide variety of fields. It looks for general laws and principles that apply to systems, regardless of their specific domain.
• Application to Communication: When applied to communication, GST helps understand how different elements (sender, receiver, message, channel, context, feedback, etc.) interact and influence each other as a whole system, rather than analyzing them in isolation.

Analyzing the Options Provided

Let's look at the options and their contributions:

Based on the contributions of these figures, the individual most directly associated with proposing the foundational 'General System Theory' that can be applied to communication is Ludwig Von Bertalanffy.

Conclusion on the Originator

The General System Theory, applied to understanding communication processes as complex systems, was first proposed by Ludwig Von Bertalanffy. His work laid the groundwork for viewing various phenomena, including communication, through a systems perspective.

Revision Table: Key Theorists in Communication and Systems

Additional Information: General System Theory Concepts

When General System Theory is applied to communication, several key concepts become relevant:

• Holism: The idea that the whole system is greater than the sum of its parts. In communication, this means the overall meaning and effect are more than just the individual words or actions.
• Interconnectedness: All parts of the communication system (sender, receiver, message, context) are linked and influence each other.
• Boundaries: Systems have boundaries, though they may be open or closed. Communication systems are typically open, interacting with their environment.
• Input, Throughput, Output: Systems take in inputs (information), process them (throughput - interaction), and produce outputs (responses, new information).
• Feedback: Information returned to the system about its output, allowing for adjustment. This is crucial in communication.
• Equifinality: The idea that a system can reach the same final state from different initial conditions and different paths. In communication, effective understanding might be achieved through various interaction sequences.

Understanding these concepts helps in analyzing communication not just as a message flow, but as a dynamic, complex system.