Technology and Organizations Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Technology and Organizations - Research Paper Example The influence of technology extends beyond influencing the organization to enhancing the services given to its customers. Of particular importance to organizations has been information and communication technology, commonly interchanged with the terminology technology, which could be attributed to the rapid increase in adoption of information technology in organizations (Zammuto et al., 2007). This paper adopts the definition of technology by Prasad (2009) which encompasses three elements: human processes, physical system and knowledge. Technology occurs through the interaction of human and organization processes and the physical hardware. Knowledge allows the creation of the physical product. Therefore, technology refers to the product resulting from a body of knowledge aimed at achieving a design for a physical system and the human processes interacting with the product, allowing it to meet the intended function. Importance of Technology to Organizations Technology plays a critical role in shaping the function and form of an organization. According to Zammuto et al. (2007), technology, and in particular information technology, propagates automation of organizational operations and increases communication speed. Automation of organizational functions has made it possible to collect and store tasks and replace people and papers with electrons, without necessarily changing the outcome of the tasks. Digital filing saves on paper and printing costs. The use of computer systems allows for instantaneous corrections and also, together with the capabilities provided by information technology, make information available when need be. Therefore, it could be said that technology enhances the efficiency of organizations. Secondly, technology in organizations eliminates time and space by promoting mobility (Prasad, 2009). For instance, video conferencing technology allows people in different localities to interact with each other. This creation of virtual meetings reduces travel costs and distributes data without necessarily being in the same room. Therefore, technology propagates the establishment of a global presence at minimal cost. Another importance that comes with technology focuses on human capital. According to Prasad (2009), technology in organizations enables effective screening, recruiting and hiring of rightful workforce. Various organizations use the Internet to attract potential employees. Technologies such as personality assessments have been useful in determining the fit of candidates in an organization. Negative Impact of Technology on Organizations Even as technology improves organizational performance, it also has limitations which could render it worthless. Birchall and Giambona (2008) point out job elimination as one of the major negative impacts of technology. According to the scholars, whereas technology could greatly reduce paperwork and human intervention on one hand, it reduces employment opportunities for people on the othe r hand. For example, the introduction of automated telephone answering systems has cut down on the human intervention through receptionists and telephone operators needed in many organizations. This results in elimination of jobs and in other cases alienation of customers. It further makes it difficult for the unemployed specialists to secure future employment. Nonetheless, Freeland (2013) argues against this postulate