The Dual Impact of Technology on Organizational Change and Communication Dynamics
This chapter discusses the profound influence of technology on organizational change and the dynamics of communication. It explores how technology acts as a catalyst for change, affecting workplace culture, relationships with external publics, and individual sense-making. The text examines both beneficial and harmful aspects, emphasizing the challenges posed by the digital divide and technology fluency. It includes critical perspectives on hierarchy reinforcement and social resistance, alongside a traditional view on productivity and effectiveness. Case studies, including virtual management, provide practical insights.
The Dual Impact of Technology on Organizational Change and Communication Dynamics
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Presentation Transcript
Information Technologies Chapter 7 Recap/Discussion
Technology and Change • Technology causes organizational change? • Humans’ choices and use of technology causes change? • Technology = catalyst for change • Impacts communication? Culture? Relationship with external publics? • Beneficial? Harmful? • The Technologized Life • Line between work and home
Interpretive Paradigm • Remember, concerned with organization members’ construction of meaning/sense making • How does technology impact sense making? • How do we make sense of technology?
Critical Perspective • Remember, concerned with sites of oppression • Technology… • Reinforces hierarchy/structure • Global control • Presents resistance as pointless; technology is good and inevitable
Traditional Perspective • Remember, concerned with organization’s effectiveness and productivity • Technology – potential to enhance effectiveness • Productivity • Knowledge Management • Control (from managerial perspective) • Role/significance of digital divide and information technology fluency? • Information technologies can impact organization’s structure, processes, and workers; Pros? Cons? Personal Experiences? • Consider case study on virtual management & new technology requirements • Email privacy – thoughts? (Article)
