To What Extent Are Labor-Saving Technologies Improving Efficiency in the Use of Human Resources? Evidence from the Banking Industry
Production and Operations Management · 2008 · Volume 17 · Issue 1
Abstract
With special reference to the banking industry, the objective of this study is to address managerial concerns over the impact of labor-saving technologies on efficiency in the use of human resources. A bank is viewed as a collection of human, technology, and capital resources. Labor-saving technologies are represented by two categories of technology resources—information technologies and patented in-house process innovations. The estimation of a stochastic frontier manpower-requirement function shows that, whereas information technology resources have a direct impact on efficiency in the use of human resources, in-house process innovations have an indirect impact through spillovers. The reduction in labor costs resulting from a more efficient use of human resources is more than enough to cover the required increase in information technology expenditures. This cost-reducing impact is stronger for firms currently employing a lower level of information technologies. The empirical findings also suggest a complementary relationship between information technologies and spillovers of in-house process innovations. The empirical framework proposed in this study can help decision makers determine the optimal input mix of technology and human resources.
Keywords
labor-saving technology, human resources, efficiency, banking
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