Technological Change in a Multicultural Context, Applied Psychology of

Each wave of technological change, including information technology, has had a major impact on the nature of work. This article outlines why understanding technological change in a cultural context is important. First, the interactive ways in which technology and culture affect performance are examined. Cultures may have more or less influence depending on the tightness or looseness of the culture. Technologies, too, vary in terms of tightness and looseness, although most technologies tend to swamp cultural differences. Second, the impact of technology on the time and location of work is reviewed, highlighting developments such as teleworking, telecommuting, and satellite work stations. The interaction of technology and culture within these work forms is illustrated using the example of how these affect trust in virtual work teams that are often multicultural. Finally, the importance of training for technological change and multicultural awareness is highlighted. Transfer and adaptability are key aspects required of any training in a context of change.