by Jason Todd

Created on: July 04, 2007

New technology has been injected into the workplace at an exponentially increasing rate over the last few decades. Many companies see new technology as the means to increase profit margins and to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace. This paper will discuss some of those new technologies and their impact on the workplace. Specifically, I would like to focus on information technology, its implementation, its pitfalls, and its future.

Information Technology

In 1977, knowledge and information-based activities contributed to almost half of the gross national product and employed 47% of the American workforce (Sussan, 2006). One could postulate that those numbers have increased over the last 30 years. As information has become an increasingly important feature in the business world, new technologies have become available to facilitate its use and dissemination. This has led to an ever expanding and evolving field of information technology (IT).

New developments in IT have led to an increasingly mobile workforce. We are no longer tied to our desk in order to stay in the information loop. We can take our office with us wherever we go. Cellular phones allow us to be reached almost anywhere. Blackberries and Ultra-mobile PCs permit to access e-mail and other data products at a wide range of locations. A wide range of new technologies have given businesses access to faster communication, increased efficiencies, and the ability to work away from the office (Mamaghani, 2006).

New technology has opened a door of opportunities for companies and employees willing to explore non-traditional work arrangements. Standley (2006) wrote, "91 percent of organizations allow employees to work at home occasionally." As telecommuting becomes more popular, employers are realizing the benefits, including "productivity gains, reduced absenteeism, reduced employee turnover costs, reduced real estate costs, and reduced relocation costs to name a few" (Mamaghani, 2006). For Employees, "telecommuting can offer more flexibility and a relief from workplace policies such as dress code and formal office hours" (Sussan, 2006).

This technology also allows a new kind of team to emerge. Virtual teams can be formed, bringing together the best people regardless of location and time (Gignac, 2005). E-mail, teleconferencing, video conferencing, and new emerging technologies are enabling people around the world to communicate and collaborate rapidly and efficiently. Virtual teams are contributing

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>