Sociotechnical systems ideas as public policy in Norway: empowering participation through worker-managed change
Article Abstract:
Over the past 20 years, for the purposes of democratizing working life in Norway, public policies have been closely connected with ideas developed in sociotechnical systems (STS). This investigation of the Norwegian example of working life democratization, featuring empowering participation through worker-managed change, utilizes comparisons to similar efforts in Germany, Australia, and Denmark. Results indicate that the emerging little known general model, which integrates elements of this work, is not unique to Norway. While workplace democracy is generally an ideal (and not commonly practiced), twelve conditions required for empowering employee participation are identified, and the consequences of employee participation are examined for varying workplace situations.
Publication Name: Journal of Applied Behavioral Science
Subject: Social sciences
ISSN: 0021-8863
Year: 1986
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Redesigning sociotechnical systems design: concepts and methods for the 1990s
Article Abstract:
In a review of sociotechnical systems (STS) design as a vehicle for organizational change, deficiencies in this static approach, such as the lack of application to systems marked by nonlinear conversion processes, are addressed by the proposal for innovative alternatives for the methodology and theory for STS. The traditional STS nine-step method and autonomous work groups focus must be updated and expanded in scope through design revival that adapts to social evolution. Technological change and labor as a commodity are social trends that can support six STS change projects: fostering entrepreneurial initiative; total work habits; artificial intelligence; direct client interaction; deliberation support systems; and improved implementation of manufacturing systems.
Publication Name: Journal of Applied Behavioral Science
Subject: Social sciences
ISSN: 0021-8863
Year: 1986
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Long-term sociotechnical systems change in a computer operations department
Article Abstract:
The issue of applicability of sociotechnical systems (STS) to different settings is investigated by focusing on the long-term STS organizational change in a computer operations environment. The longevity of STS designs is reviewed, and the development of the design in a computer operations department case study is discussed, including problematic training programs, the activities of shift supervisors, and results over a seven-year period (ending in 1985). This documentation of an STS design indicates that long-term success is possible, that STS theories are applicable in white-collar settings, and that large-scale employee participation can help ensure success.
Publication Name: Journal of Applied Behavioral Science
Subject: Social sciences
ISSN: 0021-8863
Year: 1986
User Contributions:
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