LEVELING MECHANISMS
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 1908 ▶ |
| Object type | Discipline oriented, Human sciences, Methodology or model |
This concept has been introduced by the ethologist Fr.De WAAL and is thus inspired by his observations of the way animals living in groups manage their rivalries. (2001, p. 102-107)
It seems however to be of general value.
Leveling mechanisms are indeed an absolute need in systems wherein strong tensions appear during interactions among elements or subsystems .
They are basically countervailing feedbacks acting in reaction to incipient disbalances (which can be automatically registered or psychologically perceived)
Without levelling mechanisms, uncontrolled fluctuations become unavoidable and, as they carry the system out of its limits of dynamic stability , can finally destroy it.
See also
Adaptability, General adaptation syndrome, Homeostasis, Interoception, Stress