Advancing socio-technical systems thinking: A call for bravery

Abstract

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...

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