Computerization, Work Values, and Changing Worklife

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9321375 Kling This study examines how computer specialists, managers and workers' values shape computerization projects and change working conditions. The key research questions are: To what extent and how do work values influence the selection and eevelopment of information technologies in the workplace, and how do people integrate these technologies into their worklives? Research activities include both theoretical and empirical components. Theoretical components focus on developing an understanding of some of the ethical implications of computerizing work and the ethical issues faced by key participants in computerization projects. Identification and analysis of these issues proceeds by examination of existing case studies and participation in discussion of the design and site selection for the empirical work as well as some of the field interviews. Empirical research involves surveys and field interviews of computerized work systems in three organizations. The organizations will represent three ideal types of work values: (a) rationalization, streamlining work for efficiency, organizing narrowly defined jobs, and computerizing so as to reduce workers' discretion; (b) flexible professionalization, organizing work to encourage responsibility, initiative taking and learning, and developing computer systems to support enhanced work; and (c) incremental accommodation, computerizing so as to support new services or activities while minimizing the changes in work relationships. The investigators will refine and pilot test their work values questionnaire in the two or three organizations selected, and undertake initial field studies. Results will be disseminated through presentations and case reports. One journal article will be developed. ***