Re the speed-technology-progress debate:
This is not a new issue, nor is it particularly about computers.
.....
Stupid or ignorant people (or people with defective mental models?) will find
cruel and stupid ways to introduce technology. Smart managers (and effective
learning organisations?) will try to introduce technology with a better
view of its complete effect on the organisation.
The cycles of mass displacement driven by technological change have been
going on for a long time, often with truly dire results (war, famine,
etc.) This is one of the big problems of our time. The leverage point is
mostly external to the grocery store, perhaps closer to the schoolhouse.
.............
Dan, are capitalists trying to create wealth and the conservatives
trying to use their wealth to make money by funding the capitalists
the stupid and cruel ones you speak of?
Isn't this just another take on the class war fare theme? Technology
that makes the world more cruel is usually depicted in Orwellian
movies like the Terminator. Hey these things are just entertainment!
Is it more effective and societally efficient for individuals to look
out for themselves to insure their skills are usable in society or is
it more effective for organizations to ensure that individuals are
usable to the society? Are these cruelty issues?
Technology improvement, utilization and implementation is going to
occur. That's about the only thing we can guarentee.
The learning organizations that adopt the technolgoy whether it be CASE
reengineering tools or automation that displace people--will still
adopt means to reduce labour involvement. Therefore, individuals must look
towards keeping themselves useful rather than rely upon organizations to
retain them in useful positions--why? 'cause when it comes right down to
it you can trust yourself to look out for you better than you can trust an
organization to look our for your best interests. The organization
has its own interests to look out for.
I hope I misread your intent, Dan.
Charles Barclay 2404 Maile Way
Dept. of Mgmt & Ind Relations Honolulu, HI 96822
University of Hawaii Fax: 808 956-2774
barclay@busadm1.cba.hawaii.edu Phone: 808 956-8545
"The marketplace is much too Darwinian to permit that much
discussion." DEC CEO Robert Palmer assessing the effect of managers
working together in management decisions for foreign operations.
BusinessWeek 1994 Special Issue--21st Century Capitalism