P. Huuhtanen, TOWARD A MULTILEVEL MODEL IN LONGITUDINAL-STUDIES ON COMPUTERIZATION IN OFFICES, International journal of human-computer interaction, 9(4), 1997, pp. 383-405
The theoretical framework of longitudinal field studies on office auto
mation has expanded from the stress paradigm to the implementation and
planning of change. Research has started to focus on the design proce
sses of both the computer applications and work organizations simultan
eously as opposed to the earlier descriptions of the effects of automa
tion on stress and well-being. New technology should have a variety-in
creasing rather than a variety-decreasing effect on operations, by sup
porting flexible and adaptive work organizations instead of formalized
hierarchical control and tight standardization of work routines. The
goals of planning, the ways of organizing it, and leadership styles ar
e decisive, as regards the benefits and quality of changes. In additio
n, assessment of possible new health and safety risks at the worksite
level should be organized. One future risk factor is information overf
low in a multimedia environment with increasing productivity demands.
In this article, key psychological questions concerning the studies of
new technology implementations in office settings from the health and
safety perspective are discussed. A conceptual review of some previou
s studies is presented, with special emphasis on longitudinal research
. The focus is more on research questions and methodology than on the
presentation of empirical results as such. A multilevel process model
for the study of change is presented that combines technological, orga
nizational, and psychological change processes on both organizational
and individual levels. Concerning the continuous change of information
technology, work organization, and the age structure of labor force,
future research needs are discussed.