People, space and technology: A dynamic model

Abstract

Several models show the relationship between people, space and technology (PST) in organisations, particularly within the realm of workplace design; however, they fail to properly capture the dynamic nature of such relationships and the impacts of change processes. The purpose of this paper is to propose a dynamic PST model. A comprehensive evaluation of existing PST models and insights, derived from a PhD dissertation, was used to inform a model that more appropriately reflects the intrinsic nature of each of the associated elements. Literature from material behaviour and diffusion of innovation theory contributed to the model. The proposed dynamic PST model maintains the three chief elements — people, space and technology — but adds an extra axis — time — to reflect the dynamicity of change. A derived outcome of this model is the incorporation of management as an integral and essential analogous visco-elastic ingredient in PST change processes. The analogy adopts concepts relating to the physical properties of materials and applies them to the model dynamics. A nomenclature of management ‘geometries’ is proposed. Important implications for management, in terms of the stressors and strain effects of PST change, are highlighted. The model is theoretical and yet to be tested. Early attempts to use commercially available software to develop a working model are discussed. Future research would tell how far the modelling could be extended in terms of developing reliable metrics for the management variables and representing them in organisational ecologies. The paper contributes to theoretical knowledge of workplace design, reflecting the dynamic nature of organisations and allowing visualisation of abstract organisational concepts. The model is expected to create a common platform for collaboration between human resources and information technology departments, as well as property and facilities managers and architects.