Adaptive Governance Model with a Sociotechnical Approach

Abstract

Digitalisation is imposing a strong pace of change on the business ecosystem, which implies the need for an adaptive governance model that moves away from the mechanistic approach of Command & Control. In this sense, we have considered complexity thinking and sociotechnical systems design as the key elements for designing such a governance model. Using an action-research approach with international Spanish organisations, we have developed a governance model based on Agile Portfolio Management. Our conclusions show that it is possible to use this approach to create an adaptive governance model, which allows to take on business transformation initiatives, regardless of their level of complexity. At the same time, the organisation is encouraged to embrace a new working mindset, one that is more organic, more transparent and gives autonomy to staff