A systems is more a jumble of relations rather than a pile or a lump. A system is composed of subsystems and at the same time a subsystem of one or more other systems. And, it is the interaction of the parts of a system which is responsible for its emergent characteristics. Emergent meaning that the system as a whole has properties one can not find by studying the parts, like wetness emerging from the interaction of hydrogen and oxygen in a system called water. And, as turns out, there are fundamental principles of systems, which, although they may be sometimes violated in the short term, eventually come to pass.
Organizations are systems, and they are subject to the principles of systems.
For the most part, because we don't understand the laws of systems, we continually attempt to violate them and are frustrated when the laws assert themselves and negate our efforts. As a result we curse the system for its ignorance, as we are unable, or unwilling, to curse ourselves as it would be far too injurious to our own self-concept. I have found that with an understand of systems has come an understanding of the operation of organizations, and they are most amusing in their ignorance, to say the least. These I have listed at the end. At this point I will simply elaborate a few and their role in change, or non-change, management.