Sociotechnical approaches to the study of information systems

Through this chapter, we introduce and explain the sociotechnical premise relative to the study of information systems (IS). The sociotechnical premise can be articulated as (1) the mutual constitution of people and technologies (and, specifically, digital technologies*), (2) the contextual embeddedness of this mutuality, and (3) the importance of collective action. Some readers will value this chapter for its breadth of coverage. Established sociotechnical scholars will likely thirst for more advanced discussions than what we provide here. Some readers will value the material in this chapter for identifying particular debates, current themes, or emerging approaches. We see this as a special opportunity and focus on these topics at the chapter’s end.