Effective Technical and Human Implementation of Computer Systems – ETHICS
Thank you for your interest in this series of articles which explores the ways in which your business can maximise the fit of people and technology to become more effective.
By understanding the needs of people, the needs of the business, and through careful analysis of how the two can strengthen each other’s roles, your business can make a significant improvement to the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations.
Brief summary of ETHICS
ETHICS stands for Effective Technical and Human Implementation of Computers Systems. Enid Mumford and Mary Weir introduced the ETHICS approach to cover work system design, by identifying both human and technical needs in relation to computer systems in the workplace.
People and Participation
Mumford then extended this work and specified a ‘people based’ approach where all stakeholders should participate in decision making when it comes to process analysis, requirements analysis and system design. ETHICS places significant emphasis on job satisfaction as a key element to organisational success, and through stakeholders participating in the system design process, including the day-to-day input users, you empower them to become part of the decision making process for any changes, small or large, that will affect them in their work.
Business and Needs
ETHICS provides techniques for identifying information needs as the core of understanding what users and management require from their information systems, and is concerned with finding the best fit between individual needs and business needs.
Socio-technical
ETHICS is a socio-technical approach meaning it places equal importance on both the social and technical aspects of change management.
This all started life in 1979, progressing and maturing over 16 years until Enid Mumford published her last book on ETHICS in 1995.
The series – an interactive journey
There are some key themes to explore during this series, including:
- How will the socio-technical approach benefit my business?
- Understanding the needs of your people is the key to increased engagement
- Clearly mapping out the needs of your business to achieve success
- Different types of participation and what they mean for your business
- System design – for both people and technology
- Maximising the fit between people and technology
However you, our readers, can influence the order the articles are published by providing feedback along the way using the comment form below.
