what-when-how
In Depth Tutorials and Information
Nestedcomplexity
exhibited by sociotechnical systems, refers to the fact that a tech-
nologically complex system is often embedded or nested within in a complex insti-
tutional structure. his added dimension of complexity is what makes the design
and management of a sociotechnical system a great challenge.
1.3.2 Scale
Sociotechnical systems are often large-scale systems characterized by a large num-
ber of components, often stretching over a large geographical area or virtual nodes,
and across physical, jurisdictional, disciplinary, and social boundaries. Often, their
impacts are considered long-lived and significant, and affect a wide range of stake-
holders (Mostashari and Sussman, 2009).
1.3.3 Integration and Coupling
Subsystems within a sociotechnical system are connected to one another
through feedback loops, often reacting with delays. he existence of multiple
interacting feedbacks makes it harder to understand the effect of one part of
the system. In such a system, an institutional decision may impact technologi-
cal development, also impacting social, environmental, and economic aspects
of the system.
1.3.4 Interactions with the External Environment
Systems may be characterized as either closed or open. A closed system is one that
is self balancing and independent from its environment. Open systems interact
with their environment in order to maintain their existence. Most sociotechnical
systems are affected by the environment they operate in and, in this sense, can be
considered open systems.
1.3.5 Uncertainty and Risk in Sociotechnical Systems
One of the main products of complexity in a system is uncertainty in its initial state,
its short- and long-term behavior, and its outputs over time. Webster's Dictionary
defines uncertainty as “the state of being uncertain.” It further defines uncertain
as “not established beyond doubt; still undecided or unknown.” Uncertainty refers
to a lack of factual knowledge or understanding of a subject matter and, in this
case, to the inability to fully characterize the structure and behavior of a system
now or in the future. In analyzing complex systems, uncertainty can apply to the
current state of a system and its components, as well as uncertainties on its future
state and outcomes of changes to the system. Essentially, there are two categories
of uncertainty: Reducible, and irreducible. Reducible uncertainty can be reduced
over time with extended observation, better tools, better measurement, etc., until
