Explain open systems theory and give an example of it at work in the restaurant business

What will be an ideal response?

Answer: Sample response: Open systems theory states that organizations influence their environment and are also influenced by their environment in an ongoing cycle. A good example of this would be the changing tastes of American consumers. Over the years, people have begun to enjoy more ethnic foods such as Mexican, so traditional restaurants added items such as mile-high nachos and cheesy burritos. The menu changes brought in more customers; increasing profitability. However, in recent years, people have become more health conscious, and limit their intake of fat and salt. This resulted in a decline in customer visits; decreasing restaurant profits. In response, the restaurants developed healthier versions of Mexican dishes, such as fish tacos, which are lower in fat and calories but still offer the flavors consumers like. Customer visits — and profits — increase again.