The Development of Models of Technology and Work Organisation with Information and Communications Technologies

This paper brings together some theoretical reflections at the outset of a study of the design and development of technological systems and work organisation with advanced applications of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). The paper takes a step back from the mass of empirical detail and analysis that is being generated in the area of technology and work to examine some general problems for research in the area. It reviews some of the shortcomings of analysis within the labour process perspective. Recent theories of Post-Fordism seem relevant to current developments. However writers within this school are repeating some of the failings of labour process analysis - in particular in a tendency towards economic or class reductionist explanations. Writers from a range of disciplines have pointed to discontinuities in the development of technology and work organisation which may involve 'paradigm-like' shifts in general models of industrial life. However these patterns are complex and require analysis at a number of levels. The paper addresses some of the different analytical frameworks that could be brought to bear and discusses how these could be integrated. These are explored in the case of Computer Numerical Controlled Machine Tools. Some methodological limitations of many labour process studies are explored to advance an alternative, longitudinal model for examining the changes in occupational structures and the division of labour and skill with technological change. Finally, the paper discusses some implications of these findings for the democratisation and humanisation of work.