Work systems as the core of the design space for organisational design and engineering. (15th September 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alter, Steven
• Is Part Of: International journal of organisational design and engineering. Volume 1:Number 1/2(2010)
• Page Start: 5
• Page End: 28
• Publication Date: 2010-09-15
• Subjects: organisational design -- organisational engineering -- ODE -- work systems -- work system framework -- information systems -- design space -- information technology; Management information systems -- Periodicals; Computer engineering -- Periodicals; 658.4038011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1758-9797

Abstract

This paper contributes to the initial development of organisational design and engineering (ODE). It proposes a work system perspective on ODE by showing how work system concepts provide a basis for discussing and researching areas where behavioural science and computer science are jointly relevant to the operation and success of IT-reliant work systems through which organisations operate. This paper is organised as follows: it clarifies its view of ODE in general by proposing a general theory of ODE, that does not rely on work system concepts; it introduces basic ideas in the work system approach; it summarises a work system approach to ODE; it summarises three design spaces that are organised using work system concepts; it discusses correspondences and divergences with the original ODE white paper (Magalhaes and Silva, 2009); it summarises the advantages of a work system approach to ODE.