This volume argues that automation in the workplace will require workers with greater skills, an assertion that contradicts the common assumption that automation will not only reduce the number of workers required to make a given product, but also require workers with fewer skills.

Contributors 1: Paul S. Adler: Introduction 2: Larry Hirshhorn and Joan Mokray: Automation and Competency Requirements in Manufacturing: A Case Study 3: Paul Attewell: Skill and Occupational Changes in U.S. Manufacturing 4: Peter J. Senker: Automation and Work in Britain 5: Horst Kern and Michael Schumann: New Concepts of Production and the Emergence of the Systems Controller 6: Institutions and Incentives for Developing Work-Related Knowledge and Skill 7: Robert E. Cole: Issues in Skill Formation in Japanese Approaches to Automation 8: Robert J. Thomas and Thomas A. Kochan: Technology, Industrial Relations, and the Problem of Organizational Transformation 9: Max Ogden: Union Initiatives to Restructure Industry in Australia 10: Claudio U. Ciborra and Leslie S. Schneider: Transforming the Routines and Contexts of Management, Work, and Technology 11: Thomas B. Lifson: Innovation and Institutions: Notes on the Japanese Paradigm Name Index Subject Index

"The contributions to his edited volume are commendable in their thoroughness and cosmopolitan in both their focus and authorship....As a sophisticated treatment of the subject, Adler's collection is to be welcomed."--Journal of General Management "This important book fills a major gap. It shoots down the mistaken belief that factories of the future will be staffed by large numbers of 'low-skilled button pushers.'...Business executives, labor leaders, and employees will find this book a valuable guide for setting strategies to meet the challenges of rapid technological lchange and intense foreign competition."--Edward E. Masters, President, National Planning Association "The message of this book is profound: information technology can transform the workplace--for better or worse. We must learn how to design technology to promote effective processes, such as empowerment, teamwork, and total quality. This important book is must reading for anyone concerned about either effective organizations or new technology. After reading the book they will be concerned with both!"--Richard E. Walton, Harvard University "An impressive roundup of analyses by an impressive group of experts. This subject could not be more important and Adler is to be congratulated for his leadership in bringing this fine group of papers into print."--Robert B. McKersie, Sloan School of Management, MIT "Technology and the Future of Work makes it abundantly clear that smart machines will not overcome America's competitiveness problems unless we also develop the smarts of our workers and organize our workplaces more intelligently and humanely. The message of this book could not be more timely or persuasive."--Albert Shanker, President, American Federation of Teachers "The contributions to his edited volume are commendable in their thoroughness and cosmopolitan in both their focus and authorship....As a sophisticated treatment of the subject, Adler's collection is to be welcomed."--Journal of General Management "This important book fills a major gap. It shoots down the mistaken belief that factories of the future will be staffed by large numbers of 'low-skilled button pushers.'...Business executives, labor leaders, and employees will find this book a valuable guide for setting strategies to meet the challenges of rapid technological lchange and intense foreign competition."--Edward E. Masters, President, National Planning Association "The message of this book is profound: information technology can transform the workplace--for better or worse. We must learn how to design technology to promote effective processes, such as empowerment, teamwork, and total quality. This important book is must reading for anyone concerned about either effective organizations or new technology. After reading the book they will be concerned with both!"--Richard E. Walton, Harvard University "An impressive roundup of analyses by an impressive group of experts. This subject could not be more important and Adler is to be congratulated for his leadership in bringing this fine group of papers into print."--Robert B. McKersie, Sloan School of Management, MIT "Technology and the Future of Work makes it abundantly clear that smart machines will not overcome America's competitiveness problems unless we also develop the smarts of our workers and organize our workplaces more intelligently and humanely. The message of this book could not be more timely or persuasive."--Albert Shanker, President, American Federation of Teachers "Technology and the Future of Work is an important and insightful book on the recent rediscovery of the increased skills likely to follow advanced technology."--Contemporary Sociology