Socio-Technical Approach as a Psychosocial Construct: Predictor to Psychological and Social Construct

Abstract

The Socio-Technical Approach (STA) as a design principle works on the criterion of minimal critical specification and joint optimisation of both the technical as well as the social system. Self-regulating work group holds the key to the underlying theory of estrangement and dissatisfaction in a job resulting due to want of self-control. Expectancy is normal, and these expectancies influence behaviour. The expectancy judgement, which is a mental representation based on both the past outcomes and the current situation that an individual confronts, has a causal influence on choices based on their behavioural pattern. Exploring the belief system towards a favourable trajectory about a behaviour depends on whether the expectations are being met with a promising outcome or not. Observers, over a period, presented different learning curves for different people, albeit identical conditions. The learnings varied from person to person; while some responded predictably to reinforcement, others comparatively less so, and for some, it was totally unpredictable. Hence, it is quite imperative to study the impact of the Socio–technical system design of an organisation in conjunction with the psychological aspects engulfing an individual. The study is an attempt to explore the same.

Keywords: Socio-Technical System, Psychosocial; Psychological, Positive Psychology, Behavioural Psychology, Work Group, Job Design

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