This book brings together a set of essays exploring the implications of new technologies in the workplace. The common premise of the contributions is that the effective implementation of automation in manufacturing and engineering operations will typically require a workforce with a higher skill profile. Examining the experience of countries in Europe, Australia, Asia, and the U.S., the book analyzes four themes: the new competencies required for effective implementation of new technologies; how firms can develop these new competencies; the implications of these changes for industrial relations; and how firms can weave together business strategy, technology strategy, and personnel strategy, to build competitive advantage. with greater rather than lesser skills. This argument contradicts the conventional assumption that automation will not only reduce the number of workers required to produce a given product but also require less skilled workers to do so.
Industry Reviews
"The contributions to his edited volume are commendable in their thoroughness and cosmopolitan in both their focus and authorship....As a sophisticated treatment of the subject, Adler's collection is to be welcomed."--Journal of General Management
"This important book fills a major gap. It shoots down the mistaken belief that factories of the future will be staffed by large numbers of 'low-skilled button pushers.'...Business executives, labor leaders, and employees will find this book a valuable guide for setting strategies to meet the challenges of rapid technological lchange and intense foreign competition."--Edward E. Masters, President, National Planning Association
"The message of this book is profound: information technology can transform the workplace--for better or worse. We must learn how to design technology to promote effective processes, such as empowerment, teamwork, and total quality. This important book is must reading for anyone concerned about either effective organizations or new technology. After reading the book they will be concerned with both!"--Richard E. Walton, Harvard University
"An impressive roundup of analyses by an impressive group of experts. This subject could not be more important and Adler is to be congratulated for his leadership in bringing this fine group of papers into print."--Robert B. McKersie, Sloan School of Management, MIT
"Technology and the Future of Work makes it abundantly clear that smart machines will not overcome America's competitiveness problems unless we also develop the smarts of our workers and organize our workplaces more intelligently and humanely. The message of this book could not be more timely or persuasive."--Albert Shanker, President, American Federation of Teachers
"The contributions to his edited volume are commendable in their thoroughness and cosmopolitan in both their focus and authorship....As a sophisticated treatment of the subject, Adler's collection is to be welcomed."--Journal of General Management
"This important book fills a major gap. It shoots down the mistaken belief that factories of the future will be staffed by large numbers of 'low-skilled button pushers.'...Business executives, labor leaders, and employees will find this book a valuable guide for setting strategies to meet the challenges of rapid technological lchange and intense foreign competition."--Edward E. Masters, President, National Planning Association
"The message of this book is profound: information technology can transform the workplace--for better or worse. We must learn how to design technology to promote effective processes, such as empowerment, teamwork, and total quality. This important book is must reading for anyone concerned about either effective organizations or new technology. After reading the book they will be concerned with both!"--Richard E. Walton, Harvard University
"An impressive roundup of analyses by an impressive group of experts. This subject could not be more important and Adler is to be congratulated for his leadership in bringing this fine group of papers into print."--Robert B. McKersie, Sloan School of Management, MIT
"Technology and the Future of Work makes it abundantly clear that smart machines will not overcome America's competitiveness problems unless we also develop the smarts of our workers and organize our workplaces more intelligently and humanely. The message of this book could not be more timely or persuasive."--Albert Shanker, President, American Federation of Teachers
"Technology and the Future of Work is an important and insightful book on the recent rediscovery of the increased skills likely to follow advanced technology."--Contemporary Sociology
