In an organisation with which you are familiar, you are required to:

1. Detail fully an example of technical change that has taken place or is taking place, comparing the work processes involved, and how they are carried out, both before and after the change.

2. Analyse the origins and development of that change, drawing upon the technological and organisational change literatures discussed in this text.

3. Assess the main implications of that change for both the organisation and its employees. For example, what have been the effects on job numbers, the nature of the work required, skill levels, training requirements; has the change solved the problems it was intended to address, or has it thrown up new issues; what have been the main costs and benefits, etc.?

Discussion

■ How might managers and other members of staff prepare for technical change? In the example you have studied, could organisation members have prepared themselves better and, if so, how?

■ To what extent does theorising on the nature of technology help in analysing the nature of technical change?

■ On the basis of the case you have studied, does it show that technical change results in more positive or more negative implications for individuals in an organisation? Would you come to the same conclusion about technical change in general?