Title: Advanced manufacturing technology and stress: technology and management support policies

Authors: Corinne M. Karuppan

Addresses: Department of Management, Southwest Missouri State University, 901 S. National, Springfield, MO 65804, USA

Abstract: This paper examines the characteristics of the working environment of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT), which may pose stress-related threats to employees. These characteristics are associated with the technology itself (unreliability, unpredictability, performance, pacing and interface) or with the nature of AMT work (interdependence, pressure to increase automation, layout, skills obsolescence). The negative impact of these potential sources of stress, however, can be buffered or even eliminated with relatively inexpensive technological features and sound management policies designed to increase the operator’s job control. These measures facilitate the implementation of AMT so that its full benefits can be reaped.

Keywords: advanced manufacturing technology (AMT); shop-floor automation; stress; technology management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1997.001722

International Journal of Technology Management, 1997 Vol.14 No.2/3/4, pp.254-264

Published online: 17 Aug 2003 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article