Observations on the Dynamics of a Change to Electronic Data-Processing Equipment

Findings from an exploratory, longitudinal study of the effects of a change-over to electronic data-processing equipment in a light and power company are presented.

Abstract

This paper presents findings from an exploratory, longitudinal study of the effects of a change-over to electronic data-processing equipment in a light and power company.' As a case study it deals with (1) the general problems of introducing this change, which extended over five years and affected more than sixteen hundred employees in two organizational divisions, and (2) the effects of such a change on organizational structure, policies and philosophy, job structure, and personnel at all levels of the company. Some of the more unique problems of transition to a high degree of automation in the office are indicated. Floyd C. Mann is program director and Lawrence K. Williams is assistant study director, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan.