The potential impact of third‐wave technologies on organisations

Abstract

New technologies are revolutionising the world of work. They have already become an integral part of organisations throughout the world, driving the growth of the two most powerful new forces in the global economy – cyberspace and computing power. In turn, these are creating formidable new challenges for all organisations. This article describes these new and emergent technologies. It then looks at their effects on traditional “second‐wave” organisations and management practices in recent years and their potential impact over the next 20 years. It goes on to examine some ways that leaders of organisations can deal with the impact of new technologies on their organisations and employees. It concludes by leaving the reader with some, as yet, unanswered questions about these new technologies and their possible effects on organisations in the near future.