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Socio-Technical Systems: A Meta-Design Perspective

Author

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  • Gerhard Fischer

    (University of Colorado, Boulder, USA)

  • Thomas Herrmann

    (University of Bochum, Germany)

Abstract

Meta-design of socio-technical systems complies with the need to integrate two types of structures and processes: technical systems, which are engineered to provide anticipatable and reliable interactions between users and systems, and social systems, which are contingent in their interactions and a subject of evolution. Meta-design is focused on objectives, techniques, and processes to allow users to act as designers. It provides, rather than fixed solutions, frameworks within which all stakeholders can contribute to the development of technical functionality and the evolution of the social side, such as organizational change, knowledge construction, and collaborative learning. This paper combines the theoretical framework of meta-design and its underlying principles with the consideration of methodological aspects and practical cases. Five different principles are explored: (1) cultures of participation, (2) empowerment for adaptation and evolution, (3) seeding and evolutionary growth, (4) underdesign of models of socio-technical processes, and (5) structuring of communication. Design collaboratories and knowledge management are used as examples to analyze meta-designed systems representing socio-technical solutions as well as frameworks within which socio-technical solutions can be developed. The combination of theoretical and methodological considerations leads to a set of practical guidelines for meta-designers.

Suggested Citation

  • Gerhard Fischer & Thomas Herrmann, 2011. "Socio-Technical Systems: A Meta-Design Perspective," International Journal of Sociotechnology and Knowledge Development (IJSKD), IGI Global, vol. 3(1), pages 1-33, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:igg:jskd00:v:3:y:2011:i:1:p:1-33
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    Cited by:

    1. Mendoza-Moheno, Jessica & Cruz-Coria, Erika & González-Cruz, Tomás F, 2021. "Socio-technical innovation in community-based tourism organizations: A proposal for local development," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 171(C).
    2. Jinyoung Min & Junyeong Lee & Sunghan Ryu & Heeseok Lee, 2022. "The effects of interaction between team climates and KMS value perception on knowledge activities: a multilevel socio-technical systems approach," Information Technology and Management, Springer, vol. 23(1), pages 1-21, March.
    3. Jun Zhang & Shuyang Li & Yichuan Wang, 2023. "Shaping a Smart Transportation System for Sustainable Value Co-Creation," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 25(1), pages 365-380, February.
    4. Paulo Garrido, 2016. "The Systemic and Global Dimension of Business Resilience in a Socio-Technical Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(3), pages 1-18, February.
    5. Verena Wolf & Christian Bartelheimer & Daniel Beverungen, 2020. "Workarounds as Generative Mechanisms for Restructuring and Redesigning Organizations - Insights from a Multiple Case Study," Working Papers Dissertations 68, Paderborn University, Faculty of Business Administration and Economics.

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