Sociotechnical Systems and Unions: Nicety or Necessity

Abstract

Sociotechnical systems (STS) theorists have largely ignored the role of unions both in their theoretical framework and in STS implementation. This oversight weakens the potential application and dissemination of STS theory and practice. STS democracy is frequently seen by its proponents as preferable to union democracy except when they come to the same conclusion. Unions have historically played a key role in the development and success of seminal STS initiatives but are not seen as a critical specification for success. Many practitioners have noted the instrumental importance of unions in unionized settings without acknowledging class, conflict, or union values. As such, many unions have dismissed or resisted STS innovations. Despite these serious shortcomings, the labor process argument has failed to produce a credible alternative to STS principles. In some cases, the union role has been central to STS reforms and examples like these have prompted some national union movements to promote work reform with an STS base. Recently, the American labor movement has endorsed work reform approaches akin to STS approaches. STS changes are seen not just as ways to change managerial practices but also to alter union structures and functioning. As such, a union-rooted STS approach provides greater societal and workplace impact benefitting employees, employers, trade unions, and the society.