Main street retail system: theoretical contributions drawn from the general systems theory

Abstract

Objective:The overall purpose of this paper is to develop theoretical contributions to the understanding of the Main Street Retail agglomeration phenomenon, based on the General Systems Theory.

Method/approach: This study is exploratory since it aims at gathering previous references and recognizing elements pertinent to the chosen subject. 

Main Results: The essay suggests three propositions for future research, and their composition could be stated as a general research question:  “How the Main Street Retail can control the systemic entropy to increase the development of the social system in different levels of interaction and relationship?”. The investigation of this issue should shed more light about the growth and survival of the Main Street Retail system. Moreover, the search for a broader perspective in science becomes necessary, as noted by General Systems Theory.

Theoretical contributions:  Based on the a literature review on General Systems Theory, this paper is a theoretical essay which tries to bridge the existing gap between theory and applicability of the Systems Theory. It analyzed the Mains Street Retail system along the following three levels: Subsystem or Micro System level, Social Organization or Meso System level and Environmental or Macro System level.

Relevance/Originality: This research offers theoretical perspective on General System Theory, Marketing System and the possible application on retail environment with focus on Main Street Retail.

Managerial implications: This research offers theoretical perspective on General System Theory, Marketing System and the possible application on retail environment with focus on Main Street Retail. The Main Street is important social organization for providing a social development in local business but their survival is directly related to the system below (micro) and above (macro). The micro system should ensure sustainability of the entrepreneurial business through interaction and relationship of their internal marketing functions. In addition, it’s necessary to maintaining control over business performance.