Two Steps Forward: Human-Resource Management in a High-Tech World

Peter Strathy is Vice-President Planning, Doctors’ Hospital, Toronto.

The Economic Council of Canada is an independent advisory body that
studies and reports on matters relating to Canada’s economic
development. Its publications are regarded as scholarly and
authoritative. This case book deals with the subject of innovation in
both industrial and private-sector organizations in Canada. While the
Council has published a number of general studies on technological
innovation and change, this particular report deals with the specific
human impacts of the innovation process and the need to develop
management practices and make organizational changes that will support
the successful introduction of new technology. The underlying conclusion
is that innovation must include skill enhancement and changes in the
organization and remuneration of work.

The 11 case studies cover a wide range of real-life situations
involving the introduction of technology into plants and offices, and
represent a variety of efforts by management and workers to redesign job
systems and to cope with the impacts of change. The success rate varies
greatly from case to case. Four cases deal with the failed introduction
of new technology. The final chapter reviews new technologies that have
facilitated greater independence and self-sufficiency among the
disabled.

There are many valuable lessons to be learned from these case studies.
The “two steps forward” theme implies that technological change must
be accompanied by flexibility and by innovations in organization design
and human resource management. In particular, the importance of employee
participation in the planning and implementation processes is
underlined. If change is to be successful, those affected must
participate in the process of change.

This short work is based on solid research carried out over a period of
three years (1985-87), with a follow-up in 1989. Well organized and
readable, it will be of interest to all those involved in the management
of large organizations. It will be of particular value to practitioners
and students of human resources and industrial relations, as well as to
union leadership. The report should be found in the collections of
postsecondary, corporate, public-sector, and relevant specialized
libraries.