Adaptation by employees to new technology

Newspaper compositors, whose work has been redefined following the replacement of hot-metal technology by an electronic production process, have been surveyed and interviewed some three years after the change. Data were sought concerning their attitudes to their new task content, their reaction to the change in work methods and control, and their ideas about their future. The sample has experienced reduced influence over the decisions of senior management, less utilization of old skills, and reduced future opportunities. However, the majority have adjusted to the change and some prefer it.