A building contractor is constructing 35 "tract homes" on small, adjoining parcels. The crew knows that the many subcontractors must complete their work in a proper order. What is your recommendation regarding the level of coordination required?
A) Because this is pooled interdependence, rules from the construction industry should suffice, since everyone on the job can learn the rules for the proper ordering of subcontractors.
B) Because this is reciprocal interdependence, cross-functional teams among all the subcontractors will be essential.
C) Because this is sequential interdependence, regularly scheduled meetings and planning will be needed to coordinate the ordering of the work.
D) Because this is a sociotechnical system, it is most important to design the coordination to improve efficiency, ignoring human needs.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the subcontractors must complete their work in a proper order, this indicates sequential interdependence. Therefore, regularly scheduled meetings and planning will be needed to coordinate the ordering of the work. Choice A is not appropriate since this is not pooled interdependence where there is limited interaction among the subcontractors. Choice B may not be necessary if the subcontractors can coordinate their work with regularly scheduled meetings. Choice D is not appropriate since the coordination of a sociotechnical system must consider both technical and human factors.

A Building Contractor Is Constructing 35 "Tract Homes" on Small