"New Technoilogy and Flexible Patterns of Working Time", Auriol Blandy, Employment Gazette, 92, 10, (October) 1984, pp439-444
Abstract
Abstracts"New Technoilogy and Flexible Patterns of Working Time", Auriol Blandy, Employment Gazette, 92, 10, (October) 1984, pp439-444 SAGE Publications, Inc.1985DOI: 10.1177/026624268500300211 Elizabeth Chell University of Salford England The introduction of new technology is a major influence on the ways in which work is organised. The introduction of microprocessors into technology means that workers increasingly manipulate information about operations rather than carry out the operations manually themselves. The importance of the new technology for work organisation is that it adds more options and greater flexibility without adding to costs or reducing efficiency. Fundamental to work organisation is the arrangement of working time and this is affected by the introduction of new technology. Several factors including new technology have an influence on decisions about working time.' A primary consideration is productivity. The equation that the introduction of new technology leads to a reduction in working time is too simplistic. Beyond the production process, there are other effects in terms of design, the way resources are brought together and the style of management. A further influence on working time is through external influences: These may take the form of legislation; they may result from the expectations of employees for a shorter