A detailed case study is presented of the use of CNC machine tools in an engineering factory. This examines what choices were made regarding the management and operation of CNC machines, and why, and the impact of these choices on the firm and its employees. Contrary to a deskilling hypothesis, the findings showed that CNC machinists exercised high levels of operational control, were very skilled, satisfied with the content of their jobs, but critical of work coordinating mechanisms. These job designs are linked to internal and external contingencies. The paper concludes with predictions concerning job designs associated with the move to complex information technology systems.
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Kemp et al. (1987) studied this question.
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