Title: Management of technology in a complex world

Authors: Anders Drejer, Soren Gunge, Claus Holm

Addresses: Department of Production, Aalborg University, Fibigerstraede 16, DK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark. ' Department of Organisation and Management, Aarhus School of Business, Hasselgaardsvej 10, DK-8210 Aarhus V, Denmark. ' Department of Organisation and Management, Aarhus School of Business, Hasselgaardsvej 10, DK-8210 Aarhus V, Denmark

Abstract: Based on a critical approach to the discipline of management of technology, this paper raises some questions regarding how well-suited different perceptions of technology and management of technology are for managing technology in a world enriched by complexity and diversity. In the paper, it is argued that state-of-the-art perceptions of technology and management of technology have evolved over the years to include more and more issues. However, three present challenges, new understanding of organisation, strategy and management, and these point to a number of discussions for management of technology at this point in time. We, therefore, argue that a perception of technology should take into account its human aspects, the irrational view of technology as socially constructed, contribute to new, non-hierarchical organisations, and make it possible to use the complexity and diversity of the business environment proactively.

Keywords: challenges; critical perspectives; technology management; technology perceptions; human factors; business environment; management of technology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.1997.036362

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 1997 Vol.12 No.4/5/6, pp.239 - 253

Published online: 02 Nov 2010 *

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