Socio-Technical Theory and Work Systems in the Information Age

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Author(s): Ken Eason (Loughborough University, UK)and José Abdelnour-Nocera (University of West London, UK)
Copyright: 2009
Pages: 13
Source title: Handbook of Research on Socio-Technical Design and Social Networking Systems
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Brian Whitworth (Massey University (Albany), Auckland, New Zealand)and Aldo de Moor (CommunitySense, The Netherlands)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60566-264-0.ch005

Keywords: Information Science Reference / Media & Communications / Social Computing / Social Networking

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Abstract

This chapter sets the traditional focus of socio-technical systems theory on primary work systems in a modern context where information and communication technology (ICT) has a major influence in the way work is undertaken. The chapter begins with a summary of the original work of the Tavistock Institute of Human Relations and critically reviews the major concepts to emerge from these studies. This is followed by a review of recent studies of the impact of ICT on work systems and how socio-technical systems concepts are used to interpret these findings. Finally, concepts and methods of designing socio-technical systems are reviewed in the context of current ways of designing and implementing customizable and generic ICT systems in organizations. The authors call for a recognition and evaluation of socio-technical systems as never completed but evolving over time; placing an emphasis on the emergent behavior resulting from the use of new technical systems.

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Socio-Technical Theory and Work Systems in the Information Age

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