ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the effects which new technology has had on the organisation of firms and industries. It describes new technology upon the organisation of work within firms is discussed. The chapter discusses effects on the organisation of work between firms. The effect of new technology in reducing overtime was widespread. Employee reaction to the reduction or abolition of overtime was mixed, depending on the circumstances of the particular individual and the way in which overtime had been organised. New technology makes possible decentralisation and local autonomy. In a few cases, such as electronic reservation systems or electronic currency, the new technology even confers positive advantages on the smaller local unit. In most cases, it is simply a question of management or organisational choice. Even within one organisation, the continuing changes in technology may lead to cyclical fluctuations in centralisation and decentralisation trends over time.
