Principles
Some of the central principles of sociotechnical theory were elaborated in a seminal paper by Eric Trist and Ken Bamforth in 1951. This is an interesting case study which, like most of the work in sociotechnical theory, is focused on a form of 'production system' expressive of the era and the contemporary technological systems it contained. The study was based on the paradoxical observation that despite improved technology, productivity was falling, and that despite better pay and amenities, absenteeism was increasing. This particular rational organisation had become irrational. The cause of the problem was hypothesized to be the adoption of a new form of production technology which had created the need for a bureaucratic form of organization (rather like classic command-and-control). In this specific example, technology brought with it a retrograde step in organizational design terms. The analysis that followed introduced the terms "socio" and "technical" and elaborated on many of the core principles that sociotechnical theory subsequently became.
Read more about this topic: Sociotechnical System
Famous quotes containing the word principles:
“...at this stage in the advancement of women the best policy for them is not to talk much about the abstract principles of womens rights but to do good work in any job they get, better work if possible than their male colleagues.”
—Virginia Crocheron Gildersleeve (18771965)
“When great changes occur in history, when great principles are involved, as a rule the majority are wrong.”
—Eugene V. Debs (18551926)
“[E]very thing is useful which contributes to fix us in the principles and practice of virtue.”
—Thomas Jefferson (17431826)