Chapter 7 Technology and Organizations

Social Construction of Technology 1) Technology – application of knowledge and skill for practical purposes: Physical apparatus and knowledge. 2) Organizational, social and human needs drive the creation of technology. Technology does not have a life sui generis: –For example, in this country we value speed. Why? Thus, what do we create. –What technology would exist if we valued quality of life or environmental protection?

Organizational Structure 1) Definitions –Organizations -- a system with a set of rules and established goals –Organizational Structure – Patterns of obligation and responsibility that people have in different roles

Organizational Structure 2) Four Characteristics that make up organizational structures: A) Role Specialization B) Standardization C) Centralization D) Autonomy

Organizational Structure 3) Work philosophies determine the type of organizational structure created and the type of technology that goes along with the structure

Organizational Structure 4) Three distinct organizational structures exist in the U.S. A) Scientific Management – (theory X) Developed by Frederick Taylor. Popularizing Bureaucracy –Control workers and increase productivity by taking the thinking out of the job and ensuring high wages. –What kind of technology is needed? Time clocks, what else? –What do the four characteristics look like? –Give me examples of jobs like this.

Organizational Structure 4) Three distinct organizational structures exist in the U.S. B) Human Relations – –Hawthorne experiments –Treat people like humans, not robots. –Maintain control –What do the 4 characteristics of Org. Structure look like? –What kind of technology is needed? Employee of the month, health benefits, what else?

Organizational Structure 4) Three distinct organizational structures exist in the U.S. –Participatory management Workers know how best to do the job. Give them control rather than managers Workplace cooperatives What do the 4 characteristics of Org. Structure look like? –Decentralization = a) shared information; b) open communication; c) cooperative decision-making. What technology is needed here?

Bureaucracy Given the desire for control in capitalist and socialist countries, bureaucracy is highly valued. –What is Bureaucracy? An organization with hierarchy, fixed tasks, written documents, trained workers, rules that govern behavior. –Bureaucracy is supposed to be impartial. But is it? –Informal work cultures, networking, favoritism make impartiality impossible. Bureaucracy is supposed to be efficient: –Top Heavy –Ruling Elite –Reduced creativity –Lack of corporate accountability