Socio-Technical Systems (STS) Theory is an organizational design framework originating from research at the Tavistock Institute of Human Relations in London during the 1950s and 1960s. Pioneered by Eric Trist, Fred Emery, and later extended by Enid Mumford and others, STS posits that organizations are composed of interdependent social and technical subsystems, and that optimal performance requires the joint optimization of both. The framework challenges purely technological or purely social approaches to organizational design, advocating instead for responsible autonomy, minimal critical specification, and boundary management. STS has been influential in work system design, information systems development, manufacturing, and healthcare improvement. It is particularly relevant in Software Engineering, Business, Manufacturing and Healthcare.

Socio-Technical Systems Theory supports interdisciplinary and co-design collaboration and is suited for organizational settings and multi-organization networks in in-person, remote and hybrid settings.

Socio-Technical Systems Theory is classified as a well-documented framework, indicating broad adoption and available documentation. Key concepts include Joint optimization, Responsible autonomy, Minimal critical specification, Boundary management.