Week 6 (Passmore, et el 1982) SocioTechnical Systems

What does Sociotechnical Systems refers to?

Sociotechnical systems refer to the corresponding relationship between social/human systems and he technology in the organisation, operating to produce output.

What does Sociotechnical Systems Inteventions refer to?

Sociotechnical Systems interventions refer to organisational development techniques which restructure and optimize social systems and the technology used in the organisation to maximise output

What does (Passmore, et el 1982) recognize about current literature surrounding Sociotechnical Systems

Passmore, et el, discusses the literature surrounding sociotechnical systems as disjointed and lacking simultaneous research coverage between practical application and theoretical appreciation.

What does (Passmore, et el 1982) fear and urge in the opening of the reading?

Passmore, et el, notes a distinct lack appreciation for socitechnical theory by “laymen”(business practioners) which threaten the integrity of STS endangering its credibility, Passmore et el,urges for more literature regarding implementation guidance.

Who coined the term SocioTechnical Systems

Trist

What does the Joint-Optimisation principle refer to?

The joint-optimisation principle refers to the consideration that an organisation will perform optimally if Social & technological systems are designed to fit eachothers demands and that of the environment.

What does Sociotechnical systems do that other organisational techniques omit?

Sociotechnical systems considers the variability of both social systems and the technology within the organisation, as other techniques fail/refuse to consider technology as a variable but instead a fixed factor, focusing primarily on social systems.

Characteristics of Sociotechnical Systems:9

• Social system (Human aspect)

• Technical system (Tech,devices, knowledge,resources)

• Open-system perspective (environment)

• Organisational choice/ equifinality (Fitting technology)

• correcting variance nearer to the source

• Boundary Location (inhibited knowledge transfer)

• Congruent Support (Aligned organisational activity)

• Quality of work-life (considered by STS)

• Continual learning and evolution (must not remain stagnant or face becoming obsolete)

Define Social Systems

Social systems refer to all human and social aspects of the organisation, both formal and informal. ie- Structure, culture, attitudes, behaviours, etc

Define Technical Systems

Technical systems refer to the tools, devices, knowledge and technology within the organisation which facilitate procedures, processes, operations

Define Open-System Perspective

Refers to the urged need to consider, maintain contact and anticipate changes in the external environment. As the STS must adhere to external markets as much as technology to social systems.

Define Organisational Choice

Organisational choice refers to the consideration of implementing appropriate technological systems best suited to the social-system rather than “newer or more advanced technology”. As insight from the direct operatives referred to as “minimal critical specifications” provides the most comprehensive understanding on the appropriate technology required.

Define Controlling Variances nearer to the source

Variance refers to the margins of error or divergences unaccounted for or unprogrammed impeding on productivity and or quality of work-life. Requires direct-users to have the appropriate training, education, knowledge,information, responsibility and Autonomy to address the issue in a timely manner.

Define Boundary Location

Boundary Location, refers to the recognition of boundaries within the organisation and externally, however STS does not reduce the restricted knowledge transfer, Autonomous Working teams addressing variances allow supervisors to address knowledge transfer issues more effectively.

Define Congruent Support

Congruent Support, refers to the requirement of congruency and alignment of organisational activity, such as Training, reward system, promotions, recruitment and selection, promotions and assessing employees. Urges for a supportive formal organisational arrangement ie- action group

Define Quality of work-life

Quality of work-life refers to STS design which is considerate of Quality of work-life as, the design provides challenges, permits the accomplishments of tasks, provides feedback, promotes learning, and offers support & recognition.

Define Continual learning & evolution

Continual learning essentially refers to the need for the Sociotechnical system to be under continuous review and scrutiny to ensure adaptability, as effective STS design is adherent to the external environment which is always changing.

What is the core objective of sociotechnical systems (STS) design?

Joint optimization of social and technical subsystems to improve organizational effectiveness and quality of work life

What is "minimal critical specification"?

Designing work systems with minimal rigid rules to allow flexibility and self-regulation by employees derived from direct-user insight.

How does "status equalization" support STS principles?

Reducing hierarchical distinctions (e.g., uniforms, titles) to foster collaboration and shared responsibility