Interfacing high technology operations with blue collar workers: selection and appraisal in a computerized manufacturing setting

Abstract Selection and performance appraisal are fundamental human resource management functions that need to be studied in the context of high technology. The present investigation examines selection test validities and the effectiveness of both subjective and objective measures of performance. The setting was a blue collar but nontraditional forging operation which is best characterized as a technical batch (Hull & Collins, 1987) production system. The pattern of results indicate the relative importance of higher level cognitive over routine mechanical and motor capabilities and suggest deficiency in objective measures of worker performance. Directions for future human resource management research in the area of high technology are discussed.