Works
- A reappraisal of sociotechnical systems theory, Human Relations 31(12), 1069 to 1099, 1978
In Organizational Structures
Known for
The critique of sociotechnical systems theory
Ideas
Reappraisal of sociotechnical theory. The sociotechnical school is really two streams; autonomous groups' autonomy is limited and subordinate to economic goals; joint optimization is better described as intensification of labor; and pay incentives were seriously underestimated. Caveat: A reanalysis of published cases; Beekun (1989) found monetary incentives moderated productivity gains, consistent with the critique.