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Article
Publication date: 8 November 2023

Lea Iaia, Monica Fait, Alessia Munnia, Federica Cavallo and Elbano De Nuccio

This study aims to explore human–machine interactions in the process of adopting artificial intelligence (AI) based on the principles of Taylorism and digital Taylorism to…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore human–machine interactions in the process of adopting artificial intelligence (AI) based on the principles of Taylorism and digital Taylorism to validate these principles in postmodern management.

Design/methodology/approach

The topic has been investigated by means of a case study based on the current experience of Carrozzeria Basile, a body shop born in Turin in 1970.

Findings

The Carrozzeria Basile’s approach is rooted in scientific management concepts, and its digital evolution is aimed at centring humans, investigating human–machine interactions and how to take advantage of both of these.

Research limitations/implications

The research contributes to both Taylorism management and the literature on human–machine interactions. A unique case study represents a first step in comprehending the phenomenon but could also represent a limit for the study.

Practical implications

Practical implications refer to the scientific path to facilitate the implementation and adoption of emerging technologies in the organisational process, including employee engagement and continuous employee training.

Originality/value

The research focuses on human–machine interactions in the process of adopting AI in the automation process. Its novelty also relies on the comprehension of the needed path to facilitate these interactions and stimulate a collaborative and positive approach. The study fills the literature gap investigating the interactions between humans and machines beginning with their historical roots, from Taylorism to digital Taylorism, in relation to an empirical scenario.

Details

Journal of Management History, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-1348

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 28 July 2023

Harshleen Kaur Duggal, Puja Khatri, Asha Thomas and Marco Pironti

Massive open online courses (MOOCs), a Taylorist attempt to automate instruction, help make course delivery more efficient, economical and better. As an implementation of Digital…

Abstract

Purpose

Massive open online courses (MOOCs), a Taylorist attempt to automate instruction, help make course delivery more efficient, economical and better. As an implementation of Digital Taylorism Implementation (DTI), MOOCs enable individuals to obtain an occupation-oriented education, equipping them with knowledge and skills needed to stay employable. However, learning through online platforms can induce tremendous amounts of technology-related stress in learners such as complexity of platforms and fears of redundancy. Thus, the aim of this paper is to study how student perceptions of DTI and technostress (TS) influence their perceived employability (PE). The role of TS as a mediator between DTI and PE has also been studied.

Design/methodology/approach

Stratified sampling technique has been used to obtain data from 305 students from 6 universities. The effect of DTI and TS on PE, and the role of TS as a mediator, has been examined using the partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modelling approach with SMART PLS 4.0. software. Predictive relevance of the model has been studied using PLSPredict.

Findings

Results indicate that TS completely mediates the relationship between DTI and PE. The model has medium predictive relevance.

Practical implications

Learning outcomes from Digitally Taylored programs can be improved with certain reforms that bring the human touch to online learning.

Originality/value

This study extends Taylorism literature by linking DTI to PE of students via technostress as a mediator.

Details

Journal of Management History, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-1348

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 October 2023

Xiaojing Zheng

This article aims to examine the role of boundaryless career orientation in influencing Internet professionals' strategies toward workplace problems in China's Internet companies…

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to examine the role of boundaryless career orientation in influencing Internet professionals' strategies toward workplace problems in China's Internet companies, which feature prominent problems including excessive overwork. It addresses one question: how do Chinese Internet professionals make grievance strategies?

Design/methodology/approach

This article draws on qualitative data based on semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 134 employees from 6 representative Chinese Internet companies. The data were collected during 2018-2021 and analyzed with a grounded theory approach.

Findings

This article highlights the role of boundaryless career orientation in explaining Chinese Internet professionals' strategies toward workplace grievances. The author develops a comprehensive model to illustrate how boundaryless career orientation influences four grievance strategies namely, strategic compliance, exit, dissent expression and resistance that correspond to four different motives to advance the professionals' boundaryless career: learning, transferring, relieving and resolving. Internet professionals choose different grievance strategies based on how each option can benefit their boundaryless career goals.

Originality/value

This article is one of the first to bring in boundaryless career orientation as a key factor in explaining Chinese Internet professionals' grievance strategies. It provides a fuller picture than previous studies by showing wide varieties of professionals' grievance behaviors. The finding of high-level boundaryless career orientation among Internet professionals offers insights on how companies can improve employment relations by improving career management practices.

Details

Employee Relations: The International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0142-5455

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 March 2024

Namita Jain, Vikas Gupta, Valerio Temperini, Dirk Meissner and Eugenio D’angelo

This paper aims to provide insight into the evolving relationship between humans and machines, understanding its multifaceted impact on our lifestyle and landscape in the past as…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide insight into the evolving relationship between humans and machines, understanding its multifaceted impact on our lifestyle and landscape in the past as well as in the present, with implications for the near future. It uses bibliometric analysis combined with a systematic literature review to identify themes, trace historical developments and offer a direction for future human–machine interactions (HMIs).

Design/methodology/approach

To provide thorough coverage of publications from the previous four decades, the first section presents a text-based cluster bibliometric analysis based on 305 articles from 2,293 initial papers in the Scopus and Web of Science databases produced between 1984 and 2022. The authors used VOS viewer software to identify the most prominent themes through cluster identification. This paper presents a systematic literature review of 63 qualified papers using the PRISMA framework.

Findings

Next, the systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis revealed four major historical themes and future directions. The results highlight four major research themes for the future: from Taylorism to advanced technologies; machine learning and innovation; Industry 4.0, Society 5.0 and cyber–physical system; and psychology and emotions.

Research limitations/implications

There is growing anxiety among humankind that in the future, machines will overtake humans to replace them in various roles. The current study investigates the evolution of HMIs from their historical roots to Society 5.0, which is understood to be a human-centred society. It balances economic advancement with the resolution of social problems through a system that radically integrates cyberspace and physical space. This paper contributes to research and current limited knowledge by identifying relevant themes and offering scope for future research directions. A close look at the analysis posits that humans and machines complement each other in various roles. Machines reduce the mechanical work of human beings, bringing the elements of humanism and compassion to mechanical tasks. However, in the future, smart innovations may yield machines with unmatched dexterity and capability unthinkable today.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to explore the ambiguous and dynamic relationships between humans and machines. The present study combines systematic review and bibliometric analysis to identify prominent trends and themes. This provides a more robust and systematic encapsulation of this evolution and interaction, from Taylorism to Society 5.0. The principles of Taylorism are extended and redefined in the context of HMIs, especially advanced technologies.

Details

Journal of Management History, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-1348

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 March 2024

Jingfu Lu and Anlun Wan

Regarding human resource and labour relations management, academia focuses mainly on cities; however, rural areas are an integral part of China's economic structure. This study…

Abstract

Purpose

Regarding human resource and labour relations management, academia focuses mainly on cities; however, rural areas are an integral part of China's economic structure. This study focuses on the movie projection industry in China's rural areas and explores how human resource practices (HRPs) are transformed and the labour process is reconstructed in digital transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

We adopt a case study of a rural movie projection company. The company's HRPs reconstructed the labour process of movie projection, and they have been promoted as national standards. Data were collected from in-depth interviews, files and observations.

Findings

Rural movie projection companies combine high-performance and paternalistic HRPs in the media industry's digital transformation. HRPs and digital technology jointly reconstruct the labour process. First, the HRPs direct labour process practices towards standardisation. Second, the digital supervision platform guides the control style from simple to technical, placing projectionists under pressure while increasing management efficiency. Third, rural movies made using digital technology have disenchanted rural residents. Accordingly, the conventional relationships between the “country and its citizens,” “individuals themselves,” and “models and individuals” have been removed, and a new relationship between “individuals themselves” is formed thanks to the novel HRPs.

Originality/value

This research plays a crucial role in exposing researchers to the labour process of rural movie projection, which is significant in China but often ignored by Western academia and advances the Chinese contextualisation of research on labour relations.

Details

Employee Relations: The International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0142-5455

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 June 2023

Domitilla Magni, Giovanna Del Gaudio, Armando Papa and Valentina Della Corte

By considering the challenges of Industry 5.0, the purpose of this study is to analyze the role of heuristic factors in the technical qualities and emotions of Millennials and…

Abstract

Purpose

By considering the challenges of Industry 5.0, the purpose of this study is to analyze the role of heuristic factors in the technical qualities and emotions of Millennials and Generation Z (Gen Z) to assess their acceptance of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) devices such as robots. For this purpose, this paper uses the innovative AI device use acceptance (AIDUA) framework. This research evaluates the implications of human–machine interactions for the usage of robots and AI in daily life.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed AIDUA model is tested using data collected from Millennials and Gen Z. First, a principal components analysis technique is used to validate each measure. Second, a multiple regression analysis using IBM SPSS 26.0 is conducted.

Findings

The results of this study suggest that human–machine interaction is a part of a complex process in which there are different elements determining individuals’ acceptance of the use of AI devices during daily life. This paper outlines both the theoretical and practical implications. This study enriches the AIDUA model by connoting it with features and emotions belonging to the younger generation. Additionally, this research offers technology companies suggestions for addressing future efforts on technical performance and on the alignments of the expectations of young people in Society 5.0.

Originality/value

First, the originality of this paper lies in highlighting the binary role of emotions in triggering the use of AI devices and robots. Second, the focus on Millennials and Gen Z offers a new lens for the interpretation of longitudinal phenomena in the adoption of AI. Finally, the findings of this paper contribute to the development of a new perspective regarding a “heartly collaborative” approach in Society 5.0.

Details

Journal of Management History, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-1348

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 September 2023

Francesco Caputo, Fabiana Sepe, Enrico Di Taranto and Fabio Fiano

The paper aims to enrich current debate about human–technology dichotomy in socio-economic settings by decoding and systematizing the main phases through which it has been…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to enrich current debate about human–technology dichotomy in socio-economic settings by decoding and systematizing the main phases through which it has been approached in managerial and social studies.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-interpretative framework is built thanks to the adoption of a qualitative approach inspired by the inductive logic, and for analyzing the historical evolution of the approach to human–technology dichotomy and for explaining them through an innovative conceptual model.

Findings

An innovative conceptual model is proposed for depicting connections and evolutions among the main four phases in the evolution of the approaches to human–technology dichotomy.

Research limitations/implications

Reflections and conceptual model herein can support researchers in rereading the multiple theoretical and practical contributions provided with reference to human and technology relations in socio-economic settings.

Practical implications

The paper can support managers and entrepreneurs in defining and evaluating managerial approaches for efficiently enhancing human–technology interaction.

Originality/value

The paper proposes an innovative conceptual model based on a multi-interpretative framework for decoding the historical evolution of the approaches to human–technology dichotomy in business settings. New variables are added to the current debate about the topic for building an original interpretive viewpoint.

Article
Publication date: 13 October 2023

Andrew Birkbeck and Lisa Rowe

This paper aims to explore the past and future impacts of automation on family businesses, with a focus on the opportunities for human capital empowerment.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the past and future impacts of automation on family businesses, with a focus on the opportunities for human capital empowerment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws upon a contemporary literature search to examine a range of scholarly and practitioner perspectives of the challenges and benefits of automation, exploring the evolvement towards hyperautomation and the empowerment of human capital in family businesses.

Findings

Automation, transforming to hyperautomation, general purpose artificial intelligence (AI) and beyond has the possibility of radically improving productivity. Fear of job obsolescence has been present since the birth of modern automation, and whilst some jobs are at risk of redundancy, a net gain towards higher-skilled labour is already evident. Family business leaders must be prepared to react appropriately to the accelerating war for talent by implementing a strategy for human capital empowerment.

Originality/value

This unique paper synthesises developments in automation and proposes a future perspective centred upon the empowerment of human capital in family businesses.

Details

Journal of Family Business Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-6238

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 December 2023

Mona Nikidehaghani

This paper aims to explore how accounting is fostering neoliberal citizenship through the participants of Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). More…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how accounting is fostering neoliberal citizenship through the participants of Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). More specifically, this paper aims to understand how accounting discourse and the management accounting technique of budgeting, when intertwined with automated administrative processes of the NDIS, are giving rise to a pastoral form of power that directs people’s behaviour toward certain ends.

Design/methodology/approach

Publicly available data has been crafted into an autoethnographic case study of one fictitious person’s experiences with the NDIS – Mina. Mina is an amalgam created from material submitted to the Joint Parliamentary Standing Committee on the NDIS. Mina’s experiences are then analysed through the lens of Foucault’s concept of pastoral power to explore how accounting has contributed to marketising and digitising public disability services.

Findings

Accounting rhetoric appears to be a central part of rationalising the decision to shift to individualised disability funding. Those receiving payments are treated as self-governable, financially responsible subjects and are therefore expected to have knowledge of management accounting techniques and budgeting. However, NDIS’s strong reliance on the accounting concepts of funds, budgets, cost and price is limiting people’s autonomy and subjecting them to intervention and control.

Originality/value

This paper addresses calls to explore the interplay between accounting and current disability policies. The analysis shows that incorporating accounting into the NDIS’s algorithms serves to conceal the underlying ideology of the programs, subtly driving behaviours towards neoliberal objectives. Further, this research extends the Foucauldian accounting literature by revealing the contribution of accounting to reinforcing the authority of digital pastors in contemporary times.

Details

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3574

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 September 2023

Hirendra Singh and Bhim Singh

Lean production has been proved to be a cost-effective and efficient means of production that reduces non-valve added activities. Industry 4.0 (I4.0) is a technology-driven…

Abstract

Purpose

Lean production has been proved to be a cost-effective and efficient means of production that reduces non-valve added activities. Industry 4.0 (I4.0) is a technology-driven platform that allows machines to interact with other systems through artificial intelligence, machine learning, industrial Internet of Things (IoT), etc. that improve the production system with flexibility, quality and customization throughout the whole value chain. New approaches to digitization of lean production have recently been emerged and they are transforming the industry and increasing productivity throughout the value chain. Through this article, an effort has been made to review the research published in this field.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews the literature published in various journals, the databases Web of science (WoS), ScienceDirect, Scopus, Emerald etc. were referred with a focus on lean concepts and tools and I4.0 technologies; it has been noticed that the integration of the lean tools with I4.0 technologies is a very effective tool for the industry.

Findings

It has been found in the literature published earlier in various journals that lean manufacturing (LM) is commonly acknowledged and considered a best practice to improve the productivity. It is concerned with the tight integration of people into the industrial process through continuous improvement which leads to value addition throughout the whole value chain by eliminating non vale added activities. The findings show that organizations can improve their productivity and flexibility with speed and accuracy by integrating I4.0 technologies with LM, which is foremost need of any industry across the world.

Originality/value

This article accentuates the connections between the principles and tools developed under the umbrella of I4.0 and those developed by the LM techniques, with a specific emphasis on how some of the principles and tools of I4.0 improve the implementation of lean principles dependent on the competence levels of the technology. Very few articles have been published in this area, and this paper is an original piece of research covering a review of extant research published in various journals.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

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