Social Choice in the Development of Advanced Information Technology

Application of advanced information technology willprofoundly effect the nature of clerical, professional and managerial work. When these consequences are unplanned, they sometimes are positive and sometimes negative, in human and organizational terms. Referring to the range and importance of these impacts, the author argues why social criteria should be employed in the design and implementation of this new technology. Then, based on the increasingly flexible nature of the technology and its cost profile, he argues why social criteria can be applied without economic sacrifice. Turning to trends in social values, theories of management, and interests of trade unions, the author concludes that social criteria probably will be applied increasingly in the development of information technology in the United States. Finally, the paper reviews some of the methodological issues which will arise in the process.