ABSTRACT
This chapter attempts to explore the human and managerial implications of new office information technology by examining the empirical evidence and providing a context within which to assess the evidence. For managers, the major challenge is to understand how the technology can best be used to promote organisational effectiveness. Clearly, the technology presents options never before viable, and can serve as a catalyst for major organisational change. New office technology has posed a variety of concerns for trade unions representing white-collar workers. These concerns include employment levels and job security, health and safety, the possible degradation of work, the invasion of personal privacy, and pay equity. Important developments will occur with regard to output technology and 'peripheral' equipment. With the use of liquid crystal displays, miniaturisation will be greatly facilitated. Furthermore, many of the problems caused by the use of cathode ray tubes will be eliminated.
