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Technology and automation must serve and not enslave humans!
The social relevance of automation technology is pronounced. It primarily deals with the (re)organization of work processes. In the design of automated systems, this focus on work processes becomes important in determining the relationships between humans and machines. Machines, therefore, must always be defined in relation to the subjects of the work--humans. Even fully-automated systems are in no way autonomous: they also relate to real patterns of work and life. Consequently, people are, again, the subjects of these processes.
Technology carries its own special paradoxes and myths. It promised us a better more efficient way to work and live. In the beginning we were told that technology will simplify our lives! In reality technology gave birth to a new form of behavior induced by techno- stress. We have learned to do more in less and less time. We can now multi task!
Technology promised us a streamlined way to order goods via world wide web. In reality the lack of human contact has left many people craving for the good old days when you could pick up a phone and speak some one who would answer in real time not virtual time.
This does not mean one despises technology. Technology needs to be fully embraced. However it should serve the user and not the other way round! It should not enslave humans.
Humans are social creatures. We crave human interaction. Research demonstrates that the human brain works in a unique way when we are face to face with other people.
With all its negative connotations technology and automation have a great impact and bearing on the performance of organizations and personnel. For example technology enables a sales person to be more accessible to customers / everyone all the time, there by enhances communication and interaction time towards clinching a sales deal!
However technological advances in the form of cell phones , email, videoconferencing will not replace face to face selling but augment it nicely.
Technology and automation sometimes modify human behavior.So long as the technology and machines serve humans and do not enslave humans culture in a given organization is not threatened but continues to thrive. Humans must prevail over machines.
