Advanced manufacturing technology and work simplification: An empirical study

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the effects of advanced manufacturing technology on shopfloor operator jobs and work attitudes. A strong line of argument from labour process theory suggests that such technology will simplify and deskill jobs, and reduce the quality or working life. This proposition was explored within a large electronics company which assembles computer boards, where two different applications of information technology have been experienced. These were compared with two traditional manual assembly jobs. Assessment of job content, perceived job characteristics and operator work attitudes, showed no uniform deskilling effects of advanced manufacturing technologies. Much larger differences existed both between the different new technology applications and between the traditional jobs. This demonstrates that choice of technology is important to skill use and employees' attitudes, as are the choices for the organization of work around it. These are not uniform processes even within a single organization. Experience of operating advanced manufacturing technology was also accompanied by more positive views concerning its impact on the shopfloor.

The Impact of Plant Modernization on Organizational Work Practices

“…In contrast, our results concerning worker perceptions of the impacts of technological changes indicate that both the skill levels and the variety of skills required increased, as did the level of job specialization, suggesting that the technological changes resulted in an upskilling effect. Our results accord closely with the findings of Wall et al (1987), that the impacts of the technologies vary across job dimensions. While our results do not conclusively support a uniform upskilling effect, we find no evidence to suggest that deskilling has occurred.…”

“…In a study of the effects of technological changes (in processes, machinery, and materials) on Australian workers in five trades, Davis (1988) reports that there was a upgrading effect in terms of both skills and knowledge; but Wall et al (1987), using employee surveys to investigate the effects of advanced manufacturing technology on workers in an electronics company, found no consistent deskilling effects on job content, job characteristics, or work attitudes. In contrast, our results concerning worker perceptions of the impacts of technological changes indicate that both the skill levels and the variety of skills required increased, as did the level of job specialization, suggesting that the technological changes resulted in an upskilling effect.…”

“…One issue of general interest is whether the introduction of advanced production technologies will lead to deskilling or work simplification (Braverman, 1974) for such job dimensions as "variety of skills" (including skill levels and the opportunity to increase skills), "the identification of completed work" (and associated quality control and job specialization), and the "level of decision-making autonomy." Wall et al (1987) argue "that the work simplification issue is open to empirical enquiry" (p. 234).…”

“…The impact of new technologies on various job dimensions depends on how the technology is introduced and whether the existing organizational structures and practices are modified to accommodate the production technologies (Blumberg and Gerwin, 1984;Wall et al, 1987). The company we studied is a leading technological innovator and adaptor in the industry, particularly with regard to material handling systems and computerized equipment controls.…”

Advanced Manufacturing Technology and Shopfloor Work Organisation

“…In these cases operators have taken on new skills and responsibilities (~.g., ~rogram editing, program proving, machine calibration and fault dla?nOsls) to replace those absorbed by the technology, with a consequent mamtenance or even improvement in job interest and well-being (Buchanan & Boddy, 1983;Clegg, Kemp & Wall, 1984;Currle, 1989;Sorge et at 1983;Wall et al, 1987). Moreover, other cases show job enhanceme~~ through the use of AMT to replace inherently dangerous, dirty or repetitive tasks.…”