Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
This paper proposes 24 axioms that form a basis for understanding and analyzing sociotechnical and totally automated work systems in organizational settings. The introduction identifies reasons for trying to develop axioms of that type. Two background sections compare axioms with other types of “knowledge objects”, illustrate the minimal presence of axioms in the IS discipline, define the domain of relevance for the axioms discussed here, and explain the process of developing those axioms. The axioms are organized in five categories: 1) system in context, 2) system operation, 3) system goals and goal attainment, 4) system uncertainties, and 5) system-related change. The axioms potentially address two challenges: helping business and IS/IT professionals understand and collaborate around systems in organization and providing a new starting point for producing and evaluating generalizations such as theories, models, and frameworks in the IS discipline. The Appendix shows the output of a large language model’s application of the axioms to two case studies, thereby illustrating the potential practical value of the axioms.
Recommended Citation
Alter, Steven, "A Set of Axioms Providing a Basis for Understanding and Analyzing Work Systems in Organizational Settings" (2025). Business Analytics and Information Systems. 114.
https://repository.usfca.edu/at/114
