Socio-Technical Systems: Technique or Philosophy?

In this chapter I suggest that the term “socio-technical systems” (STS) has been presented as either a method addressing a four-faceted view of enterprises, or as a set of principles originating from a desire to counteract the excesses of Tayloristic management. Problems arise when either position is adopted without regard to the other. I propose a third position on the nature of STS practice which underlies the first two positions. This third type of STS is based upon the total dependence of enterprises upon human interaction. I argue that this third type of STS explains how the four facets of enterprises interact, and why participative approaches underpin STS practice.