What is work – Summary
Whose Side Is Technology on, Really? On the Interdependence of Work and
Technology Michael Allvin and Fredrik Movitz
The document discusses the relationship between work and technology, exploring how
industrialization transformed the nature of work and the organization of labor through
technological advancements.
The Interdependence of Work and Technology
This chapter explores the intricate relationship between work and technology, emphasizing
how technological advancements shape the nature of work.
Work is heavily regulated, with defined hours, locations, and responsibilities.
Deviations from established rules can lead to significant repercussions.
Work is part of a larger organized production process involving both humans and
various artefacts.
Technologies, including machines and systems, are integral to the organization of
work.
Historical Context of Work's Evolution
This section discusses how the concept of work has transformed from pre-industrial times
to the industrial era.
Before industrialization, work was not a distinct area of life; it was integrated into
household economies.
Industrialization introduced factories, requiring regular working hours and a
structured workforce.
The emergence of machines necessitated a new organization of work, governed by
factory rules.
The modern employment contract reflects a shift in the relationship between
employers and employees.
Technology's Role in Shaping Work
This part examines how technology influences work processes and organizational
structures.
, Technology enhances human performance by replicating and extending human
actions.
It stabilizes performance, creating uniformity and predictability in work actions.
Technologies include not only machines but also laws, contracts, and institutional
knowledge.
Work is viewed as a network of interdependent technologies regulating economic
interactions.
Transition from Fordism to Toyotism
This section outlines the shift from traditional mass production models to more flexible
and e icient systems.
Fordism focused on mass production and passive consumption, dominating until
the 1970s.
The rise of active consumption led to market saturation, prompting diversification in
business strategies.
Japanese manufacturers, exemplified by Toyota, adopted a more comprehensive
view of business processes.
The shift emphasized minimizing throughput time over maximizing output, leading
to Toyotism.
Impact of Information Technology on Business
This part highlights the transformative e ects of information technology on production and
business operations.
Information technology has become essential for e icient global transactions and
production coordination.
It allows for the decoupling of economic enterprises from physical production
processes.
New financial instruments and real-time communication have expanded profit-
making strategies.
The traditional relationship between production and economic goals has evolved,
increasing demands on production.
New Work Conditions and Flexibility
Whose Side Is Technology on, Really? On the Interdependence of Work and
Technology Michael Allvin and Fredrik Movitz
The document discusses the relationship between work and technology, exploring how
industrialization transformed the nature of work and the organization of labor through
technological advancements.
The Interdependence of Work and Technology
This chapter explores the intricate relationship between work and technology, emphasizing
how technological advancements shape the nature of work.
Work is heavily regulated, with defined hours, locations, and responsibilities.
Deviations from established rules can lead to significant repercussions.
Work is part of a larger organized production process involving both humans and
various artefacts.
Technologies, including machines and systems, are integral to the organization of
work.
Historical Context of Work's Evolution
This section discusses how the concept of work has transformed from pre-industrial times
to the industrial era.
Before industrialization, work was not a distinct area of life; it was integrated into
household economies.
Industrialization introduced factories, requiring regular working hours and a
structured workforce.
The emergence of machines necessitated a new organization of work, governed by
factory rules.
The modern employment contract reflects a shift in the relationship between
employers and employees.
Technology's Role in Shaping Work
This part examines how technology influences work processes and organizational
structures.
, Technology enhances human performance by replicating and extending human
actions.
It stabilizes performance, creating uniformity and predictability in work actions.
Technologies include not only machines but also laws, contracts, and institutional
knowledge.
Work is viewed as a network of interdependent technologies regulating economic
interactions.
Transition from Fordism to Toyotism
This section outlines the shift from traditional mass production models to more flexible
and e icient systems.
Fordism focused on mass production and passive consumption, dominating until
the 1970s.
The rise of active consumption led to market saturation, prompting diversification in
business strategies.
Japanese manufacturers, exemplified by Toyota, adopted a more comprehensive
view of business processes.
The shift emphasized minimizing throughput time over maximizing output, leading
to Toyotism.
Impact of Information Technology on Business
This part highlights the transformative e ects of information technology on production and
business operations.
Information technology has become essential for e icient global transactions and
production coordination.
It allows for the decoupling of economic enterprises from physical production
processes.
New financial instruments and real-time communication have expanded profit-
making strategies.
The traditional relationship between production and economic goals has evolved,
increasing demands on production.
New Work Conditions and Flexibility
