Technology and Some Aspects of Industrial Supervision: A Model Building Approach

Abstract

The dynamic factor technology , has received increased attention as a major variable in industrial management. Yet, its role is as yet to be more clearly defined. An increasing number of articles and books, both theoretical and empirical, have appeared in the recent past dealing either explicitly or implicitly with the role of technology. In the organizational area, many behaviorally oriented studies or discussions have assumed “the state of technology” as a constant. In empirical studies reported in the literature, there is often an implication that the findings in one production unit might bear directly on organizational problems in another. Frequently, however, these studies cannot be directly related because of differences in the degree of technological advancement of a production unit. Furthermore, “data” reported from a study may be in a form obviating objective comparison. In some contemporary studies, evidence has been presented which indicates that the state of technology is an important determinant of organization behavior in technical units, affecting such factors as group formation, organization, structure, communication, and needed qualities of managerial leadership. Technology and technological change have become increasingly dynamic factors in the technical or operations organization. The impact on the organization has led to issues of major importance, some with general economic implications. Issues of national concern to industry, government and union alike have included job displacement, retraining and premature job retirement. To a great extent these national issues are a reflection of a major upheaval taking place at the company level. Modification and change in technical organization are felt no more keenly than within managerial and supervisory groups. Problems within these groups are similar to those identified at the national level as well as particularized issues such as redefinition of supervisory role resulting from modification of the ...