Computerization Taylor's Latest Disguise

In: Economic and industrial democracy, Band 1, Heft 4, S. 523-539

Abstract

The computer is increasingly being used as a Trojan Horse for Taylorism. We are now beginning to repeat in the intellectual work environment many of the mistakes already made at such cost in the field of manual work. The division of labour is sweeping through the entire spectrum of white-collar work from routine clerical tasks to some of the highest levels of creative activity such as design. Examples are provided of alternative systems which are human centred and enhancing. Whether such systems are implemented is a question of profound ideological and political significance.