Designing Effective Organizations: The Sociotechnical Systems Perspective

by William A. Pasmore

Many organizational designs are possible, and some are better than others. An effective organization produces excellent results by any standard measure while enhancing the energy and commitment of its members. In the past 40 years, sociotechnical organizational development has proven more successful than any other system in improving bottom-line organizational effectiveness while also paying attention to human values. This book brings together information found scattered throughout the literature and in unpublished documents. Presenting a coherent, jargon-free account of successful sociotechnical design of organizations, it addresses the often difficult prospect of organizational change and presents numerous real-life examples.

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Dr. Bill Pasmore
Professor of Practice, Columbia University
Senior Vice President, Center for Creative Leadership

Bill has been advising leaders for decades. He is actively involved in delivering services to clients as a coach to CEOs and trusted advisor to executives and boards in matters pertaining to organization design, culture, leadership, succession planning, board effectiveness, executive development, and change.

He holds the position of Professor of Practice at Teachers College, Columbia University and is also on the executive team at the Center for Creative Leadership where he focuses on advising CEOs, Boards and executive teams. Before joining Columbia and CCL, he was a senior partner with the New York-based consulting firm, Oliver Wyman Delta Consulting, and prior to that, a tenured full professor in the School of Management at Case Western Reserve University.

As a thought leader in the field of organization development, he has published thirty books and numerous articles, including Advanced Consulting, Leading Continuous Change, Braided Organizations, Collaborative Management Research, Developing a Leadership Strategy, The Board’s new roles in Succession Planning, Choosing the Best Next CEO, Designing Effective Organizations, Creating Strategic Change, and Relationships that Enable Enterprise Change.

His current research focuses on understanding the implications of future trends in technology for organizations and leadership, assessing change leadership behaviors, and understanding the factors underlying why people choose to take responsibility and accountability.

He resides in New York with his wife, Mary and is the proud father of two young professional women pursuing careers in consulting.

Bill holds a BS in Aeronautical Engineering/Industrial Management and a Ph.D. in Administrative Sciences, both from Purdue University.