Linking labor and engineering to enable high performance technology design

Abstract

The paper describes how engineers who design workplace technologies might build on their distinctive competencies in design by considering the inherently political dimensions of engineering practice. The paper discusses how some firms leverage the fact that technology decisions affect work organization by explicitly addressing controversial issues such as control over work. In particular, new organizational structures and design processes are developed that link engineers with front line operators, labor representatives, and other users traditionally left out of the workplace product design process to ensure design outcomes meet the objectives of all members of the organization.