Systems
Feedback Loop
A system structure where the output of a process influences its own input. Positive feedback amplifies changes; negative feedback dampens them and maintains stability.
Biological Context
Negative feedback maintains homeostasis—elevated blood sugar triggers insulin release, which lowers blood sugar. Positive feedback drives change to completion—uterine contractions trigger oxytocin release, which increases contractions. Understanding feedback is essential for predicting system behavior.
Business Application
Business feedback loops include viral growth (positive), market corrections (negative), and the flywheel effects that make dominant positions self-reinforcing.