Viable System Model and Policy Implementation: The Case of MSC-Status Incubators

Viable system model (VSM) is a conceptual framework that can be utilized to describe relationships among units within a system. Most research that focused on VSM system examines its operation within an organization, with very few studies, analyzing its utility in explaining a policy implementation. Unlike the internal systems of an organization, policy implementation is more complex because it involves agencies and institutions that have different functions and purposes beyond the control of the organization. This study is to fulfill this research gap by examining the use of VSM framework in a policy implementation called the MSC-status Incubator Program. The program is one of the policies within the MSC Program, which is the anchor policy for the development of IT industry in Malaysia. By utilizing a combination of VSM framework and case studies and content analysis methodologies, this study described the functions of the MSC-Status Incubator Program and of all agencies involved and the relationships among the relevant agencies. Results of analysis found that the framework can be applied to describe and explain a complex policy system. However, the use of VSM framework to assess the effectiveness of a policy implementation requires more comprehensive information on the intent and objective measures of the policy implementation.