Computer Impact and the Demand for Participation

Abstract The article reports on a survey among bank clerks of the effects of the introduction of a real-time computer system. The study confirms the hypothesis that only small changes in job content would be perceived by the clerks. The clerks prefer the new system and although they are generally satisfied with their jobs, a large proportion of them wants improvements in their jobs on a large number of job dimensions. Finally the clerks are concerned about their future role and more than 80% of them request participation in development of new systems. The preferences for different forms of participation are discussed.