Modern technology and organisational communication implications for management

Abstract

In the present era of rapid technological change, emotion will often rule reason in debates within organisations concern ing the introduction, usage and effects of modem computer and related technologies. Much literature in recent times has focused on the implications of modern technology for those organisational employees at levels other than management. There is no doubt that in an information-based economy, there is potential for organisational upheaval with the introduction and diffusion of new technologies. However, this will also significantly affect the managerial sector of the work force. The need to understand the implications of such technology in organisations, in terms of managing these innovations for those working at a management level, is an important concern. Without understanding and competent management the social upheaval many forecast as following in the wake of technologi cal innovation must be more likely to occur. This is an aspect of concern for business and management education, and needs to be emphasised now. In other words, there needs to be a balance of concern for the implications of modern technology, not only for the 'workers', but also for 'management'. The central aim of this paper is to briefly outline some technologi cal innovations relevant to large-scale 20th century organisa tions, and to assess the implications of some of these for managers. The authors place emphasis on one special area—that of organisational communication. It is intended that some outline be given of significant present day innovations in technologies which may affect organisational communication, followed by a discussion of some of the implications for management.