Social Technologies in Shipbuilding Workshop
Abstract
Social technology refers to innovative organizations of work and human resource management practices employed in experimental or quasi-experimental settings for the purpose of improving performance (quality, safety, efficiency) in the workplace. Although there is no clear-cut boundary as to the types of human resource innovations that might fall under this rubric, the principal categories at the present time appear to be; 1) worker participation (quality circles, quality of work life, 2) work redesign or sociotechnical systems (autonomous work groups, multi-skilled workers), and 3) behavior modification (human performance engineering, performance management). The overall objective of the workshop was to examine both the process and content of social technology innovation in shipbuilding. Cement coverage included consideration of both group-oriented (worker participation), and individual-oriented (behavior modification) approaches. Process discussions covered topics ranging from preconditions to undertaking a change project, to start-up strategies, evaluation procedures, project expansion models, and reward systems. The specific objectives of the workshop were four, reflecting the history previously outlined: 1. Provide shipbuilding management and labor with expert discussion of various social technologies as they have been developed within other U.S. industries and shipbuilding overseas. 2. Provide a forum for the exchange of social technology views and experience among yards (there are a number of U.S. yards that have had recent and continuing experience with these techniques). 3. Provide individual yards with the opportunity to review their current social technology programs and/ or to make plans for new initiatives. 4. Provide a discussion of the possible formation of a continuing cooperative (multi-yard, multi-union, government) program in shipbuilding social technology.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA452803
Entities
Organizations
- University of Michigan