1 In this chapter sociotechnical systems theory is presented. It focuses on attempts to fit together the technical and human aspects of an organization in order to deliver a product or service. What are the human components and the technology components of the Grundfos LIFELINK Project, and how effectively are they interfaced?

The story begins in 2007 with a visit by the company’s board chairman to Thailand where he saw first-hand the incredible struggle of the poor to get clean water. He was immediately inspired to take action by what he had observed. As he saw it, his company already had products that would readily provide part of the solution and the missing components could be either acquired or developed.

About one billion people around the world do not have access to a reliable supply of safe water. As a consequence, water-borne illnesses leading to sickness and death are commonplace in developing countries. Moreover, the time-consuming process of travelling to find water has a negative effect on productivity and often adversely affects children’s school attendance. Water security is regarded as one of the top global risks today.1 Although many organizations have worked on solutions to this life-threatening and productivity-eroding problem, water projects regularly fail to deliver the promised benefits.