Attitudes about the impact of technological change: Comparison of U.S. and Japanese workers

Abstract It was hypothesized that one of the advantages Japanese corporations have in rapidly implementing technological change was related to positive work force attitudes about technological change in the workplace. The Technological Change Survey was administered to over 1,000 employees in electronics manufacturing companies in the U.S. and Japan. Contrary to predictions, the Japanese were more likely to experience technological change as stressful and less likely to believe technological change would improve their jobs or careers. The paradoxical effects of Japanese culture and Human Resource practices are examined to explain why Japanese companies are successful in introducing technological change despite the negative attitudes of employees.

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