On symbiosis and agility: a response

Recently, Mr. Kidd reviewed the authors' book The Symbiosis of Work and Technology. His judgment is negative: according to Mr. Kidd the book is dated even though recently published. Instead of the approaches discussed, which are labeled 'sociotechnical' by Mr. Kidd, he puts forward the concept of 'agile manufacturing.' The difference between what the authors call 'symbiotic' approaches and agile ones apparently lies in the latter's market orientation. The importance of this market orientation is supposedly not sufficiently recognized in the authors. Furthermore, with exception of two contributors the authors' book presents 'well-rehearsed and aired opinions.' This article presents the authors response to Mr. Kidd's comments.