A Socio-Technical Analysis of Knowledgeable Practice

The role of the modern radiation therapist is directed and driven by the organizational system. Changes affecting their role are implemented as a response to changes in the industry. Operations of the modern cancer center, with new and changing treatment technologies bring questions regarding the learning process of radiation therapists at a time when optimal patient care requires informed radiation therapists with good independent judgment abilities. This study used a socio-technical frame providing structure to my research and data analysis according to the multi-layers of socio-technical systems. Three research questions focusing on the organization's infrastructure, info-structure, and info-culture guided this study to answer the broad research question, how do radiation therapists learn new skills to develop a "knowledgeable practice" in a highly technical environment? Resting on modern socio-technical literature, behavioral patterns and perspectives of technical socialization, and a review of the literature across various industries, I conclude with the argument of the loss of foundational knowledge through a process of "knowledge appropriation."