You need to distinguish between mechanisation, automation and computerisation;
- Mechanisation consists of replacing workers with machines. This is more common within the manufacturing sector (e.g. car-making).
- Automation occurs where robots and automated machinery perform work on the production line. Again, this is more common in the manufacturing sector.
- Computerisation occurs where computers have taken a far greater role in the workplace, such as in the retail sector.
You need to state and explain the impact of mechanisation, automation and computerisation upon workers, and the firm.
|
POSITIVES |
NEGATIVES |
Upon the firm |
Jobs can be performed much more efficiently. This can lower labour costs and maintain the competitiveness of the firm. |
A large number of job losses can lower the morale of the existing workforce. |
Upon the workers |
Workers who have acquired new skills often gain new jobs, most of which are better paid. |
Has led to heavy job losses. Automation has also contributed to alienation at work. |
You need to know the difference between reskilling and deskilling.
DESKILLING |
RESKILLING |
Deskilling occurs where traditional skills are replaced by jobs that require few skills. These jobs tend to be performed by the peripheral workforce. |
Reskilling occurs when workers are retrained in order to acquire new skills in order to use new technology. These jobs are usually well-paid. |
You will also need to distinguish between core and periphery workers;
- Core workers posses the skills and educational qualifications demanded within the UK economy. The position of core workers within a firm is relatively secure, and their level of pay is usually high.
- The periphery workforce consists of those with few academic qualifications. They are a ‘buffer’ against fluctuations in consumer demand. As such, the employment status of the periphery workforce is usually temporary. The level of pay for those in the periphery workforce is considerably lower than that of core workers.
In recent years considerable changes have occurred within the workplace. One of the main developments has been a transformation from Fordist to post-fordist methods of production.
Fordist |
Post-Fordist |
Repetitive, deskilled assembly line work. The Fordist method tends to lower labour costs and restrict the level of consumer choice. |
Sociologists claim that most firms adopt a post-fordist structure. This consists of work that has become less repetitive due to the impact of computerisation. Firms also require a well trained and flexible labour force. The level of choice available to the consumer is greater than that offered by the Fordist method. |
You need to know the impact of different types of work upon job satisfaction. There are two types of job satisfaction;
- Intrinsic – Found in the job itself (e.g. nursing).
- Extrinsic – Found outside the job. This often consists of buying material goods and services that provide pleasure to the consumer.
Changes at work are often resisted by workers because;
- People fear that their skills will become less necessary, or even unnecessary.
- Over time workers become comfortable in their jobs, and are therefore reluctant to change such an approach when change arises.
- Change is often imposed by management with little or no consultation with the workforce.
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