Considering The Influence Of Technology In General

In Considering The Influence That Technology In General Or Any Single

In considering the influence that technology in general or any single technology has over human affairs, it is necessary to consider not only the technology and its presumed "imperatives," but also the key human agents of the technology, the organisations in which they operate, and how these influence the course of technological change (Rudi, 257). Select two of the four perspectives and discuss how they provide different insights into the relations between technology, organisations, management and employees.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The pervasive influence of technology on human affairs has garnered extensive scholarly attention, emphasizing the complex relationships among technology, organizations, management, and employees. Theoretical perspectives serve as critical lenses for understanding these interactions. Among the various viewpoints, the Modern, Symbolic, and Postmodern perspectives outlined in Mary Jo Hatch’s "Organization Theory" offer distinct insights into technological influences within organizational contexts. This paper explores two of these perspectives—namely the Modern and Symbolic perspectives—and examines how they differently interpret the interplay between technology, organizational structures, managerial strategies, and employee behaviors.

The Modern Perspective

The Modern perspective on organizations and technology is grounded in principles of rationality, efficiency, and functionalism. It views technology as an objective, deterministic force that shapes organizational processes and structures (Hatch, 2013). From this vantage point, technology is perceived as a tool that enhances productivity and operational effectiveness. The Modern perspective emphasizes the role of management in strategically implementing technological innovations to optimize organizational performance, often reflecting a stakeholder-centric view that aligns with classical management theories such as Taylorism or scientific management (Taylor, 1911).

This perspective suggests that technological advancements are primarily driven by organizational needs for efficiency, with management acting as the orchestrator of technological change. Employees are viewed as key actors who must adapt to technological systems, which are designed to standardize and control work processes (Orlikowski & Iacono, 2001). Consequently, the Modern perspective portrays technology as an instrumental asset that must be managed meticulously to realize its full potential, emphasizing rational planning, system integration, and formal organizational structures.

The implications of this perspective are evident in practices like automation, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and process reengineering, which are oriented toward streamlining workflows and reducing waste (Hammer & Champy, 1993). In essence, the Modern perspective underscores a technocratic approach, assuming that technological change is largely linear and driven by organizational imperatives of efficiency and control.

The Symbolic Perspective

Contrasting sharply with the Modern view, the Symbolic perspective interprets technology as a social construct with significant cultural and interpretive dimensions. This perspective underscores the importance of understanding organizational realities through the meanings and symbols attached to technological artifacts (Hatch, 2013). Technology, from a Symbolic standpoint, is not merely an instrument but also a symbol of identity, power, and organizational culture (Weick, 1979).

The Symbolic perspective emphasizes that technology’s influence extends beyond functional efficiency, affecting how members perceive their roles, interpret organizational goals, and construct organizational realities (Ricoeur, 1977). Technologies can embody organizational values or serve as symbols of modernity and progress, thereby shaping organizational identity and employee morale. For example, the adoption of cutting-edge IT systems may serve to reinforce a culture of innovation or prestige within an organization (Beniger, 1986).

Moreover, this perspective recognizes that the interpretation and use of technology are mediated by organizational actors' beliefs, attitudes, and cultural contexts. As such, it sheds light on resistance to technological change, the importance of symbols and narratives in technology implementation, and how organizational actors negotiate the meanings of technological artifacts (Heracleous & Barrett, 2001).

The Symbolic perspective thus offers insights into how technology influences organizational identity, power relationships, and employee perceptions. It suggests that technological change is inherently political and cultural, often subject to varying interpretations and struggles over meaning (Czarniawska, 2000).

Differences in Insights

The two perspectives differ fundamentally in their understanding of technology’s role within organizations. The Modern perspective treats technology as an objective and functional entity that drives productivity, emphasizing rational planning and control (Hatch, 2013). It offers a mechanistic view that underscores efficiency, process optimization, and managerial authority. Practically, this perspective supports technological investments that streamline operations, often sidelining issues of organizational culture or employee resistance.

In contrast, the Symbolic perspective views technology as a social and cultural artifact imbued with meaning and power (Weick, 1979). It recognizes that organizational responses to technology are shaped by cultural narratives, employee identities, and symbolic considerations. This perspective highlights the socio-political dimensions of technological change, including resistance, interpretation, and the shaping of organizational culture through technological symbols.

Therefore, while the Modern perspective provides a pragmatic and efficiency-driven understanding, the Symbolic perspective offers a nuanced view that emphasizes the interpretive, cultural, and political dimensions of technology. Both perspectives are vital to comprehensively understanding the complex relations among technology, organizations, management, and employees.

Implications for Management and Organizational Practice

Understanding these two perspectives enables managers to adopt more holistic strategies when implementing technological change. From the Modern standpoint, managers focus on planning, systems integration, and measurable outcomes. They work to align technological investments with organizational efficiency goals, often using formal change management processes (Kotter, 1997).

Meanwhile, from the Symbolic point of view, managers need to consider the cultural implications of technology, engaging employees in dialogue about the meanings and values associated with new tools. Recognizing resistance as a form of organizational interpretation, managers can foster a participatory approach, emphasizing communication, shared narratives, and cultural alignment (Cameron & Quinn, 2011).

Integrating insights from both perspectives allows for more effective technological adoption, reducing resistance while enhancing organizational cohesion. It encourages managers to see technology not only as an instrument but also as a cultural artifact that can influence long-term organizational identity and employee engagement.

Conclusion

The Modern and Symbolic perspectives offer contrasting but complementary insights into the complex relations between technology, organizations, management, and employees. The Modern perspective underscores the functional, efficiency-driven aspects of technological change, emphasizing rationality and control. Conversely, the Symbolic perspective highlights the cultural, interpretive, and political dimensions that shape how technology is perceived and utilized within organizations. Recognizing the value of both perspectives enables a more nuanced approach to managing technological implementation, supporting organizational adaptability and fostering a culture receptive to change. Ultimately, a balanced understanding accounts for both the technical efficiencies sought through technological innovations and the social meanings that influence organizational realities.

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