Balance of maintenance and adaptive activities. Open systems seek to reconcile two. often conflicting, activities. Main nance activities ensure that the various subsystems are in balance and that the total system is in accord with its environment. This in effect, prevents rapid changes that may unbalance the system In contrast, adaptive activities are necessary so that the system can adjust over time to variations in internal and external de mands. So whereas one seeks stability and preservation oi the status quo through the purchase, maintenance, and overhaul of machinery; the recruitment and training of enployees; and mechanisms such as the provision and enforcement of rules and procedures, the other focuses on change through planning, market research, new product development and the like