TY  - JOUR
AB  - At this moment in time two sets of values present in society are in conflict with each other. On the one hand we have a powerful technical value system which tells us to make maximum possible use of technology so that we may become more wealthy and comfortable. On the other hand we have a humanistic value system which tells us to beware of technology for it is a mirage which will lead us to disaster rather than success. Somewhere in between these two value systems is another which says technology is essentially neutral; whether it produces gains or losses depends entirely on the decisions that are taken on how it shall be used. Supporters of this middle position are a group of researchers from seven European countries who are working together in an attempt to influence one form of technology — computers to move in a direction which produces human as well as technical gains. This paper is a report on one aspect of our research. We argue that computers and information technology represent a powerful resource for improvement at all levels of society; but for this improvement to come about, alternative ways of using the technology must be identified and choices made in terms of human psychological needs.
VL  - 3
IS  - 2
SN  - 0048-3486
DO  - 10.1108/eb055254
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1108/eb055254
AU  - Mumford Enid
PY  - 1974
Y1  - 1974/01/01
TI  - Computer Systems and Work Design: Problems of Philosophy and Vision
T2  - Personnel Review
PB  - MCB UP Ltd
SP  - 40
EP  - 49
Y2  - 2024/04/24
ER  -