Technological Implications Theory: A Japanese Test

Abstract

Previous theory and research in England, Canada, and the United States indicates that the nature of the dominant type of technology used in an organization has important causal implications for many aspects of the social structure of the organization. This study of industrial manufacturing firms in Japan consists of one factory in each of three types of technology: small-batch production (Sake Company), mass production assem bly line (Electric Factory), and automated continuous process (Petroleum Company). A fourth factory (Shipbuilding Factory) combines aspects of unit and mass production technology.

Of the thirteen hypotheses derived from seven more general propositions about the relationships between technology, organizational structure, and employee behaviour and attitudes, and tested, eight are fully and four partially confirmed. These findings are interpreted as supporting technological implications theory, and as a further indication of the greater importance of technological and structural variables than of cultural differences between Japan and the West.