Technology and Human Systems: Is your technology plan up in a cloud of smoke?

TECHNOLOGY AND THE CORPORATION

Have you ever walked into an office and there were computers, tablets, I-Pads, and other marvels of technology that were available?  How many people were incorporating the technology in their work life?  The technology is used avidly by some and ignored by others as being too "complex".  Is it generational or simply a Human Systems Engineering (HSE) issue?  What many firms forget is that it is more about the Human Systems Engineering and the reaction of the Human System to the technology that will be the driver of the technology that is selected.  Many firms forget this important factor when designing or developing a technology plan.  Their technology plans may end up in a cloud of smoke.

Technology is a wonderful thing.  Thirty years ago the thought of the world being guided by cell phones, tablets, and the Internet was unheard of.  The US Army had paid for the development of the packet switching research that lead to the large mainframe computers that were partially housed at Computer Systems Command at Fort Lee, Virginia.  Now, organizations are working on the basis of supercomputer hubs and virtual offices.  The technology world is ever changing.  Are you able to keep pace??

HUMAN SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY

Human systems engineering (HSE) is a structured approach to influence the intangible reality in organizations in a specific, desirable direction. HSE has the advantage of turning a complex technology issue into an advantage.  Through the use of HSE our firm is able to ease innovation processes in organizations while mastering problems that are rooted in negative emotions and lack of motivation.  There have been many stories on the Internet pertaining to the failure of the human systems as it relates to the conflict between personal and organizational values systems; people often feel as if they do not belong to an organization.  Each relationship may be considered a commercial interaction instead of a personal interaction.  It often takes a personal "touch" to create a sense of personal value as a team member.  Often corporations fail to ask employees their thoughts on how the technology will have meaning to the team and organization.  Ask and you will know; it is that simple.

A systemic approach to incorporation of technology into the workplace from the point of view of the learner; relies upon the learning interaction between the personnel and the organization.  This is a double looped method of learning.  The firm expects personnel to accomplish the learning; yet, the firms are not willing to learn from the personnel.  

In the systemic (HSE) approach, the 3 systemic levels incorporate the individual, group, and organization as the main players in the firm.  These 3 systemic levels have the capacity to influence the firm and do lead to levels of influence in the firm's "society" and "supranational system" that provides the impetus for the firm to insert itself in the industry or local environment.  This process allows managers and leadership to understand that the organization is a complex and organic system that is rooted in functional relations, hierarchy and processes that are only the top of the trees.  The roots or base structure beyond the seen is often see as the invisible part that is just as important and tangible to the structure and readiness of the organization. 

In order for the firm to receive the maximum value for their fiscal investment in new or upgraded technologies; the question needs to be asked "what is the human side of technology"?  What will the staff learn from the use of the new technology?  Will the cost expended meet the desired outcome of improved efficiency and job satisfaction?  What will the firm learn from the people involved in the learning experience as the technology is rolled out?  It is not only the employee value proposition (what the employee brings to the table); it is also about the corporate value proposition. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

In order for a firm to be successful in a technology roll out scenario, the firm must address the issues of human factors and how the employees will react to the technology.  Consideration should be given to the amount of training needed and the learning that will take place on the part of the firm and also the employees.  Technology roll outs are not a one sided part of a firm's attempt to improve the technology footprint in the global marketplace.  Technology acquisition is about utilizing the three systemic levels of the HSE to create synergy and buy-in for the technology that will be implemented.  It is about the HUMAN touch.

For more information about ILKA Technologies, Inc.; please visit www.ilka-technologies.com or email us at info@ilka-technologies.com.