Organisational decision-makers have generally adopted forms of organisational design which exploit technology to free operational systems from worker control. The assembly line, the conveyor belt, the Lamson tube are examples. The operational system become more autonomous under management's control. Scientific management methods represent a form of applied technology. Marglin argues that managerial exploitation of technology to reduce costs, achieve improved reliabilities and uncertainties effectively de-skills the worker.
Skilled workers can too easily withdraw their skills.
They have the power to negotiate more effective rewards out of management who cannot operate or maintain machines. If new technology can be introduced which can be operated by semi-skilled or unskilled staff thencontrol and efficiency objectives are secured. Successful employment of technology in production processes of course has achieved amazing results in productive capacity and the availability of affordable, high quality goods and services which we all benefit from every moment of the day. The new devices, their arrangement and how they are to be operated modify power and control relationships. Introduction of robots or new computer control systems into and assembly line increases managerial control over work.