系统论作为跨学科的理论框架,提供了全面综合的方法来研究复杂系统的结构和行为,其核心思想在于,要理解一个系统的整体行为,必须考虑其各个组成部分之间的相互关系及其对整个系统的贡献。工程的社会属性或者社会特征,决定了工程社会学视野下工程决策的“非完美性”。决策作为工程这一复杂系统的重要环节,包含相互关联影响的多个要素。从单个要素来看,工程决策的“非完美性”源于多个方面,包括决策主体、决策程序、决策客体、决策的价值基础、外部决策环境等。从系统的整体性考量,一方面“非完美性”体现在经济、社会、伦理多个维度的相互影响,在宏观、中观、微观层面都具有不同的矛盾;另一方面,“非完美性”离不开工程决策过程中的社会价值问题,这涉及不同利益相关者之间的冲突和权衡。在系统论视域下,社会系统本身即具有复杂性和多变性,工程决策身处其中,其“非完美性”是不可避免的。但通过结构功能调整、信息反馈调节以及平衡竞争与协同这三项系统论基本规律的作用,可以减少工程决策中的“非完美”现象,是人们追求理想工程的重要途径。因此,从系统论的角度探究工程决策“非完美性”含义并进行现实反思,对工程项目的成功实施和工程领域的可持续、高质量发展具有重要意义。

Engineering technology is closely related to human survival. An important source of the development of social productive forces is engineering science and technology.Engineering benefits mankind, and science and technology create the future. Engineering science and technology is an important force to change the world, it originates from the needs of life, and returns to life, emphasizing the importance of high-quality promotion of engineering construction. Engineering benefits humanity, and high-quality engineering is even more closely associated with human life, property, and future well-being. Consequently, the construction of high-standard and high-quality projects is crucial and essential. This also prompts several reflections: whether "high-quality engineering" is synonymous with "perfect engineering". In this context, it is imperative to clarify how to dialectically view the "imperfections" during the critical phase of project decision-making within the project life cycle and how to practically address the "imperfections of engineering". System theory, as an interdisciplinary theoretical framework, provides a comprehensive approach to the study of the structure and behavior of complex systems. Its core idea is that to understand the overall behavior of a system, it is necessary to consider the interrelations between its various components and their contributions to the whole system. The social attributes or social characteristics of engineering determine the "imperfection" of engineering decision-making from the perspective of engineering sociology.The exploration of the "imperfections" in project decision-making from a systems theory perspective can, on one hand, assist decision-makers in better understanding the ideal state under the constraints of objective "imperfections", thereby striving for the best possible project outcomes within limited conditions. On the other hand, it provides a realistic reflection on the "imperfections" in project decision-making, starting from the fundamental laws of systems theory, offering robust support for the high-quality development of engineering activities. This paper adopts systems theory as the theoretical framework and examines engineering as a complex system. Decision-making, as a vital component of this complex system, encompasses multiple interrelated and influencing factors. Regarding individual elements, the "imperfections" in project decision-making originate from various aspects, including decision-makers, decision-making processes, decision objects, decision-making procedures, the value basis of decisions, and the external decision-making environment. From a holistic system perspective, on one hand, "imperfections" manifest in the interplay of economic, social, and ethical dimensions, presenting different contradictions at macro, meso, and micro levels. On the other hand, "imperfections" are inextricably linked to the social value issues within the project decision-making process, involving conflicts and trade-offs among various stakeholders. Within the systems theory framework, social systems are inherently complex and variable, and project decision-making, being a part of it, inevitably carries "imperfections". However, by adjusting structural functions, regulating information feedback, and balancing competition with collaboration—three fundamental laws of systems theory: the "imperfections" in project decision-making can be mitigated, which is an essential pathway for pursuing ideal engineering projects. Investigating the meaning of "imperfections" in project decision-making from a systems theory perspective and reflecting on it realistically, this paper theoretically elucidates and analyzes the manifestation and impact of "imperfections" in project decision-making, a critical phase within the entire life cycle of a project. It also holds significant practical importance for the successful implementation of engineering projects and the sustainable and high-quality development of the engineering field.