Reassessing technological choices

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Heller, Frank A.

Affiliations: Centre for Decision Making Studies, Tavistock Institute of Human Relations, London NW3 5BA, England

Abstract: Some modern technology has made work less meaningful for large numbers of people; it has reduced freedom of choice for both managers and employees and imposed inappropriate decisions on organizations. At the same time, technological advances can be beneficial and make work less onerous and more flexible. The paper will illustrate positive as well as negative aspects of changes in technology by stressing the existence of choice through the use of socio-technical thinking in two case examples. Appropriate choices can lead to greater work autonomy and improved utilization of human competence.

Keywords: Socio-technical, technological imperative, organizational choice, work, leisure, work ethic, job design, decision making, serni-autonomy, skill utilization

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-1986-6206

Journal: Human Systems Management, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 145-155, 1986