Trident University International

Willie Bates

Module 1 Case 1

ITM 524: Foundations of Information Technology Management

Dr. Mina Richards

January 21, 2014

Introduction

A socio-technical paradigm combines the social and technical paradigms, and could be described as the study of the relationships between the social and technical parts of any system (Coakes, 2002). Researchers and some managers have acknowledged that technical and social factors interact to influence organizational outcomes. Significant changes in the workplace are the result of new and advanced technology. According to F. Land, there are two sometimes conflicting set of values that underlie socio-technical thinking (Land, 2000). The first is a belief in the importance of humanistic principles. The main task of the designer is to enhance the quality of working life and the job satisfaction of the employee. In turn the achievement of these objectives will enhance productivity and yield added value to the organization. The second set reflects managerial values. Socio-technical principles are merely instruments for achieving primarily economic objectives. Humanistic objectives have no value in themselves but if their achievement produces a better performance from employees leading to the fulfillment of the economic objectives well and good. This paper will illustrate how the first principle proves to shaping the final outcome in Painter’s Case Study. The critical elements to drive the decision of the Worker’s Compensation Board were their workforce, the business plan, and employee development. The social system became the focal point in shaping the final outcome.

Shaping the Final Outcome

The socio-technical view of knowledge management focuses on a firm’s strategy for harmonizing activities with