New Technology and the Modern Workplace: The Prospects for Industrial Accord

Abstract

In this essay the authors argue that technological innovation in the workplace resulting from the microelectronics revolution has the potential to improve relations between managers and blue-collar workers. One reason for this is that modern technology makes it possible to substitute indirect control for direct control of workers. A second reason is that modern technology can be used more effectively if workers are encouraged to increase their skills. The achievement of industrial cooperation, however, will depend on overcoming obstacles rooted in traditional managerial culture, most notably the belief that workers should not be entrusted with greater skill and responsibility, and in adversarial collective bargaining, in particular the perception of technology as a weapon in the struggle between management and labor.