Dominant technology and organization: impacts of digital technology on skills

2019 – This paper describes a new approach to investigating, unraveling and explaining the implications of digital technologies for skills. To do so, the paper develops an approach to assess technology in companies in a more precise way, building on three main arguments. To do so the paper develops an approach to assess technology in companies in a more precise way, building on three main arguments.

Firstly, current approaches to the subject treat all (new and emerging) technologies as equal. A more specific approach to technology is needed.

Secondly, instead of starting from the potential of digital technologies, the focus should be on how technology investment decisions of companies are actually taken. Companies do not automatically reason from the available technology potential, but rather build on their current technology and capital stock and competitive position (the potential of technology).

Thirdly, the organizational context should be considered. The actual use of skills in companies is strongly related to the organizational context. This is identified as the dominant organizational context. Based on these three main arguments, a new framework for work and skills technology impact research is suggested. Sunsequently, the framework is applied to two professions in Dutch industry.

Reference

Dhondt, Steven; Frans van der Zee; Paul Preenen; Karolus Kraan; Peter R.A. Oeij.  ‘Dominant technology and organization: impacts of digital technology on skills’. 2019 Frauenhofer book. pp. 186 – 205.