Socio-technical systems thinking has predominantly been applied to the domains of new technology and work design over the past 60 years. Whilst it has made an impact, we argue that we need to be braver, encouraging the approach to evolve and extend its reach. In particular, we need to: extend our conceptualization of what constitutes a system; apply our thinking to a much wider range of complex problems and global challenges; and engage in more predictive work. To illustrate our agenda in novel domains, we provide examples of socio-technical perspectives on the management of crowd events and environmental sustainability. We also outline a research and development agenda to take the area forward. Highlights A wider conceptualization of what constitutes a system, e.g., crowd events. A wider range of applications, to include global challenges, e.g., sustainability. Framework for more predictive analysis, e.g., to identify and mitigate risks. Retrospective case studies to generate lessons for use predictively. Research and development agenda to advance socio-technical practice. KeywordsSystems; Crowds; Sustainability; Prediction 3 IntroductionSocio-technical systems theory has enjoyed around 60 years of development and application internationally by both researchers and practitioners (e.g., Baxter & Sommerville, 2011; Carayon, 2006;Cherns, 1976Cherns, , 1987Clegg, 2000;Eason, 1988Eason, , 2007 Mumford, 1983Mumford, , 2006Pasmore & King, 1978;Trist & Bamforth, 1951;van Eijnatten, 1997;Waterson, 2005). The over-arching philosophy, embracing the joint design and optimization of organizational systems (incorporating both social and technical elements), has maintained its practical relevance and has seen increasing recognition and acceptance by audiences outside the social sciences (Eason, 2008). Such successes can be attributed, in part, to the continuing evolution of sociotechnical systems thinking and practice.In this paper, we argue that people engaged in socio-technical thinking need to extend their conceptualizations of 'systems', apply the core ideas to new domains reaching beyond the traditional focus on new technologies, and, at the same time, become involved in predictive work. The underlying call is to be braver in all three respects.To these ends, we first reflect upon the progress of socio-technical systems thinking to-date and the impact it has achieved. We then make the case for extending socio-technical systems theory to new domains. To do this, we describe a framework for socio-technical analyzis and design which we use to provide two illustrative examples of its application in novel settings. In each of the examples we identify the potential and importance of undertaking predictive work. We then outline a research and development agenda that will help take the domain forward. We argue that the application of socio-technical thinking to new areas may help address significant contemporary challenges, thereby extending our social impact and reach, and, at the same time, offering opportunit...
Kuhn's concept of paradigm and Burrell and Morgan's paradigms continue to exert considerable influence on contemporary thinking in business and management research. Indeed, recent contributions to the 'paradigm wars' have provoked scholars to remark upon the longevity of this debate. Consequently, this paper argues that it is timely to revisit the concepts of paradigm(s) and the controversy surrounding them. It begins by discussing how Kuhn's and Burrell and Morgan's paradigm(s) are underpinned by structural linguistics and how scholars have argued this is problematized by deconstruction. Next, the methodology describes the literature search, offers a brief introduction to rhetoric, and introduces the form of rhetorical analysis employed in this study. Moving on, a rhetorical analysis of key articles from the paradigm wars is presented. This develops understanding of this dispute by illustrating how it is inherently dialogic; arguments for paradigm incommensurability, paradigm integration, paradigm pluralism and paradigm dissolution are constructed to counter each other. The paper identifies three main rhetorical strategies employed by scholars in these arguments: constructing identities for individuals and groups by attributing assumptions, values and interests to them; transferring agency to concepts; and managing accountability for their claims. The paper concludes by discussing the implications of the analysis for understanding of the paradigm wars, the concept of paradigm incommensurability, and the practice of reflecting on one's own metatheoretical assumptions. Finally, potential applications of rhetorical analysis to contemporary debates in management research are identified.
Promoting environmentally sustainable work behavior has rapidly increased as an area of interest in recent years for Organisational Behavior (OB) scholars. This article summarizes how the field has emerged from the broader sustainability agenda, describes the most influential theories and discusses the behavioral techniques employed in intervention studies. Major challenges and opportunities for research into environmentally sustainable work behavior are identified in particular, the need to integrate the diverse literature and utilize common methods and measures to aid theoretical advancement.
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