Systemising Performance Indicators in the Assessment of Complex Sociotechnical Systems

Abstract

Complex sociotechnical systems, e.g. in process, nuclear power plant, shipping, are required to perform challenging operations, and comprise a combination of interdependent technical and human elements. The performance assessment of such systems calls for a systematic design to gather and analyse the retrieved data. This involves using precise indicators to ensure that essential system elements are measured accurately. The current work reviews the last decade use of indicators in psychology and engineering research, which are essential scientific domains of sociotechnical systems. The paper introduces a conceptual framework of indicators featuring four categories: (i) individual and abstract, (ii) individual and concrete, (iii) team and abstract, and (iv) team and concrete contents. The framework provides a way of systemising the indicators to provide a consistent foundation for future research towards a systematic performance assessment of sociotechnical systems. It may increase the precision of the performance indicators that is used to assess complex sociotechnical systems.