How to Make Communication Technology Work for Positive Social Change


by Chuck Piazza

We live and work in an Information Age, an era of global knowledge sharing and social networking enabled by a variety of information, communication, and collaboration technologies (ICCT).

What do we do about it?

The recent rescue of the Chilean coal miners is a fine example of how modern digital technology aided people from around the world to be informed, share practical wisdom, collaboratively problem solve, and coordinate efforts to deploy innovative solutions. Disparate people from various countries and professions who become aware of the situation and were empathetic to the plight of the miners spontaneously organized themselves into a rescue enterprise. They formed a sociotechnical system that, for a period of time, transcended artificial social and national boundaries to save lives.  Human ingenuity was unleashed for the benefit of others.Utilizing information and collaboration technology, a global dialogue was established so needed knowledge, skills, and resources were identified, located, and deployed. Further, because of the world-wide media coverage, significant attentionhas been drawn to a longstanding critical issues in the coal industry. The challenge now is to act to change working conditions for miners so the safety of their work environments is improved and their lives will not be jeopardized in the future.





1.      The workplace is a domain in which people actively participate in developing their own work environment. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the appropriate work processes and technology that enhance both workers’ performance and their job satisfaction. Attention is paid to the quality of the work experience. (See Sociotechnical Systems Roundtable for more details.)


3.      Society thoughtfully participates in the design and application of technology, understands its advantages and disadvantages, identifies harmful ramifications, and addresses negative aspects prior to deployment. In this manner society proactively helps to ensure that organizational ICCT is deployed in a healthy manner.


Chuck Piazza, PhD is a professor in the Organizational Systems Programs at Saybrook University, and a social philosopher who is concerned with developing socially responsible organizations and sustainable information systems.



One response

  1. From the organizational system point of view, what does it mean to promote a work-life balance? Within the context of organizations I’ve worked for, this is the kind of thing that people say but is hard to adhere to when there are expectations of quick answers, and competition between colleagues. As a freelancer working within a looser organization of vendors and clients that balance can get even harder.

    I spend a lot of time in front of a computer engaging collaboratively with other people, but do not have the internet on my phone, which gives a little breathing room. I like it this way, but have definitely missed some opportunities for not being even more connected. Can balance be systematized too?

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