Developing New Capabilities: A Longitudinal Study of Sociotechnical System Redesign

The purpose of this study is to advance the understanding of sociotechnical systems redesign as an engine for the development of new organizational capabilities via the creation of a learning mechanisms tapestry. The research is based on a nine-year longitudinal study of an advanced rubber manufacturing plant in Israel following a one-year sociotechnical system redesign process. The study documents the sociotechnical system redesign process, structures, and mechanisms and provides eight years of the plant's economic performance indicators. The development of new organizational capabilities has been identified as critical for managerial success. The learning mechanisms that were created as a result of the sociotechnical system redesign facilitated the development of new organizational capabilities. The utilization of a tapestry of learning mechanisms as both new organizational capability and as the catalysts for the creation of new organizational capabilities is of utmost relevance to managerial practice.