Technology at work in the human services

A factor in current organizational and social turbulence is rapid technological change

I am sharing the text of an article I wrote for publication in 2018 but then withdrew (long story). I am working on a new (different, better) article so sharing this version in case anyone is interested in the findings of my doctoral thesis - but doesn't want to read the whole thing!

I think the paper has continued relevance today and adds to discussions about our 'entanglement' with new technologies including AI. The focus is on human services (health, social care, education etc.) but my view is that similar processes operate in all kinds of organizations and in wider society.

The paper aims to develop theory and practice in systems-psychodynamics in relation to the role of technology within the organization of work. It argues for the importance of technology as a significant actor within, and mediator of, human processes in the 21st Century.

It is proposed that leaders and consultants need to find ways to enable a thoughtful and containing engagement with technology, otherwise the promises of technology may be lost.

This is a link to the article in Google Drive: Technology at Work Full Article

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Dr Nick Waggett

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