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SYSTEM THEORY
Socio-technical systems theory
The nation of a system originated in the physical sciences as a meaning of reflecting how a number of sub-systems in interact within cohesive whole. It has since been integrated into the social sciences and with specific success in the explanation of the way organizations function. Kast and Rosenzwieg (1972) identified some of the earlier studies and ideas in this context. Figure 2 represents an open systems view of an organization.
FIGURE2
Hence an organization is considered to be an open system: open, suggesting that it interacts with other, broader, systems outside the organization. These external systems are part of the organizational environment. When viewed as a system, the organization is a complex and integrated web of relationships between employees, structures, technology, and all technical and social processes (see figure 3)
FIGURE 3
As an open system the organization is in an interactive relationship with the organization’s environment. It draws its raw materials, information, etc. from the environment, then converts into good and services that are fed back into the environment. It is much of a cyclical and interactive procedure. As an example from the local market in the sultanate, Bahwan BMW showroom sells its motor vehicles to their customers for money. The money therefore obtained is recycled in several forms such as, wages, tax payments, and the purchase of more raw materials. Information is also included in this process. For an example, if a specific or particular vehicle is not selling, or the selling of the model is very quick, and then the pricing policy can be adjusted in that manner very quickly to re ...