ORGANIZATIONAL ASPECTS AND IMPLICATIONS OF COGNITIVE SKILLS IN NEW TECHNOLOGIES

As the use of the new technologies in service and manufacturing industry becomes more widespread, the issue of 'technological determinism' vs. 'organisational choice' becomes more critical. Research is reviewed which shows that organisational choice is an option which managers can take. It is pointed out that the thrust of the findings indicates that the benefits of the new technologies are greatest when managers are proactive in dealing with the organisational and job design implications of technological change. The cognitive skills which are most important in the new technologies are discussed, and it is argued that the full benefits of the new technologies will only accrue when both systems designers and managers fully appreciate the nature of these psychological skills and give proper place to the psychosocial aspect of the sociotechnical production system.