Original scientific paper
Technological Development and Control over Production
Milan Mesić
; Institute for Migration and Nationality, Zagreb
Abstract
The article discusses the controversy of social consequences caused by automatization, computerization as well as new informatological technologies with regard to the /place and the role of workers (and officials) in organization of work (production). It begins with a critical survey of earlier optimistic hypothesis and expectations (Blauner, Woodward, Mallet, Richta...).
The central place in the discussion belongs to Braverman's thesis on work degradation in times of monopolistic capitalism as well as to his critics (Wood, Littler, Lee, Crompton and Reid, Rueschmeyer, Gill, Schuller et.al.). The author is essentially in accordance with Braveman's approach (the qualification is being defined by intrinsic motivation for work), although (partly) he also accepts some criticism that alleviates the rigidity of Braveman's thesis. Namely, technological development has also brought new qualified jobs (different professions) to workers in which case the control over the work process (production) has been partly (re)integrated with work of workers.
It was very dominant, and still is — according to many investigations — the trend of fragmentation and dequalification which brings about the loss of control over the work process by the workers and more and more by the officials, too.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
155630
URI
Publication date:
30.9.1988.
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