ABSTRACT
Little doubt exists that technological advances have the potential for contributing to improved productivity in the workplace. In the final analysis, however, it is the individual and group effort in using the new work technologies that accounts for both the greatest costs and potential for productivity gains. The best designed systems are doomed to failure when met with human resistance. In contrast, even the most poorly designed systems have a significant chance of success if employees are motivated to that end. The difference between the two reactions to new technologies revolves around the issues of employee commitment and motivation. Committed and motivated employees are the consequence of internal and external rewards. Employees are motivated and committed to the extent that organizational rewards are consistent with their values, attitudes and needs.
