Systems theory
Taught by Hugo Newman · AI tutor support included
You'll learn how systems theory views organisations as dynamic, open systems that interact constantly with their external environment—a crucial shift from earlier management schools.
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In this lesson
- 0:00 Systems approach to organisations
- 1:18 Open systems inputs and outputs
- 2:12 Trist and Bamford coal mining case
- 3:23 Machinery consequences on workforce
- 5:00 Sociotechnical system framework
- 6:37 Balancing social and technical subsystems
- 7:24 Key takeaways and summary
About this lesson
This lesson explores the sociotechnical system concept through the famous case of coal miners, where new machinery unexpectedly reduced productivity because social factors weren't considered alongside technical ones. You'll discover why balancing social and technical subsystems is essential for both efficiency and worker satisfaction, and how this thinking applies to real management decisions. By the end, you'll understand why organisations must remain sensitive to external changes and adapt internally to maintain harmony between people, processes, and technology.
Duration: 8m
Transcript
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