ABSTRACT

This chapter argues that the new technology spreads, the more firms will resemble existing service sector organisations. This will mean that with greater computerisation and automation, there will be greater numbers of employees with higher education, skill and technical-training levels. The chapter distinguishes between participation in decisionmaking concerning: the introduction of the new technology as such, and the implementation of non-technological changes but where the new technology is a means to bring about such a change. A novel characteristic of new technology will be its ability to create participative systems in so far as all levels in the organisation will be able to interact with others in networks and thus instant feedback may be facilitated. There is clear potential for better two-way cornmnication, consultation and even co-determination both directly and indirectly. The chapter concludes that the effects of technology on industrial democracy are relatively indeterminate, given that new technology may permit a range of organisational and manpower solutions.