System effect

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System effect
/ˈsɪstəm/ /ɪˈfɛkt/ (n.)
An emergent property of a system created by the flows, feedback loops, stocks and flows within the system that create incentives and opportunities for system components to behave in ways that produce a given result, especially an unexpected one.

For example, the JC has a theory that over time, the fundamental structure of the modern service economy — and not just embittered boomers — will encourage people out of their pyjamas and back into the office. This is a system effect, and not some conspiracy the man against people who can’t be bothered to commute.

See also

• Working from home
• Thinking in Systems by the fantastic but, sadly, no longer with us Donella Meadows
• Systemantics: The Systems Bible by the fantastic but, sadly, no longer with us, John Gall