Volvo ended its mechanistic approach--where people worked separately on a production line, specializing in one task--by creating a new design in which a group of highly skilled employees worked together to assemble the cars using a collection of parts. As a result, people no longer felt like they were "machines" and became more motivated, productive, and effective. This is an example of which organizational development intervention?
A) sociotechnical system design
B) task-technology
C) quality of worklife
D) people-focused

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The described scenario is an example of sociotechnical system design, which emphasizes the interrelatedness of social and technical aspects of an organization. By moving from a mechanistic approach to one where employees work together in teams, Volvo integrated the social needs of its workers with the technical requirements of car assembly, improving motivation and productivity.

Volvo Ended Its Mechanistic Approach--Where People Worked Separately on a Production