Journal article
A review of sociotechnical systems theory: a classic concept for new command and control paradigms
Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science, Vol.9(6), pp.479-499
2008
Abstract
Command and control is the management infrastructure for any large, complex, dynamic resource system (Harris, C.J. and White, I., 1987. Advances in command, control and communication systems. London: Peregrinus). Traditional military command and control is increasingly challenged by a host of modern problems, namely, environmental complexity, dynamism, new technology and competition that is able to exploit the weaknesses of an organisational paradigm that has been dominant since the industrial revolution. The conceptual response to these challenges is a new type of command and control organisation called Network Enabled Capability (NEC). Although developed independently, NEC exhibits a high degree of overlap with concepts derived from sociotechnical systems theory, a fact that this paper aims to explore more fully. Uniquely, what sociotechnical theory brings to NEC research is a successful 50 year legacy in the application of open systems principles to commercial organisations. This track record is something that NEC research currently lacks. The paper reviews the twin concepts of NEC and sociotechnical systems theory, the underlying motivation behind the adoption of open systems thinking, a review of classic sociotechnical studies and the current state of the art. It is argued that 'classic' sociotechnical systems theory has much to offer 'new' command and control paradigms. The principles of sociotechnical systems theory align it exceptionally well with the challenges of modern organisational design. It is also reflective of a wider paradigm shift in ergonomics theory away from 'industrial age' modes of thought to systems-based 'information age' thinking.
Details
- Title
- A review of sociotechnical systems theory: a classic concept for new command and control paradigms
- Authors
- Guy H Walker (Author) - Brunel University, United KingdomNeville A Stanton (Author) - Brunel University, United KingdomPaul M Salmon (Author) - Brunel University, United KingdomD P Jenkins (Author) - Brunel University, United Kingdom
- Publication details
- Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science, Vol.9(6), pp.479-499
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis Ltd.
- Date published
- 2008
- DOI
- 10.1080/14639220701635470
- ISSN
- 1463-922X
- Organisation Unit
- Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Law and Society
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450156802621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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