Introduction
With technology making great strides and making the machines pervade human life and dominate all walks of life, it is, undoubtedly, opening avenues for progress and advancement of humankind. From reaching the moon to discovering forms of life on other planets, technology in every form, whether it is electricity or transport or communication or computers or state-of-art equipment, has helped humankind throughout history. It is said that technology evolved with the evolution of man (“Evolution’s Arrow: The Direction of Evolution and the Future of Humanity”).
The cause of change in technology
The cause of change in technology is, perhaps, rightly due to the evolution of humankind. As the man evolved, he was better able to channelize his thought process, his ability to work hard and his aptitude and skills to frame, develop and invent new and innovative forms of technology. Then, it is also true that one invention led to another as was required by time and circumstances. The early man needed warmth to protect himself against bitter cold and cook food. Therefore, he tried hard to come up with ways and means of serving his needs. It was when he learnt how to make fire by rubbing large stones or pieces of rock hard against each other. The requirement to cover his body for protection and warmth, led the man to sew clothes for himself made of hides and furs. The need for light and enhanced visibility in the dark motivated Thomas Edison to create an electric bulb. The old, clichéd saying that the necessity is the mother of invention holds true here. The business arena has also adopted the changing technology to assist in performing corporate activities better and communicate with colleagues and clients the world over.
Dependence on technology
With the passage of time, man became so dependent on technology that it became difficult for him to do without it. He started taking certain inventions of the past for granted. Today, as technology is changing and progressing swiftly, entire business empires are built around it. It is, indeed, tough to imagine life without any form of technology particularly communications and information technology. Man’s heavy reliance on technology has made him incapable on accomplishing major and intricate tasks without it.
The downside
We usually discuss the advantages which have been made possible in the corporate world because of the development and changes in technology. However, effects or the repercussions arising out of technology change are not always positive. A rosy picture is generally painted by the proponents of modern and contemporary technology in the business world. Nonetheless, the downside of it is often neglected.
As the technology changes rapidly, it is affecting the employees by threatening their jobs. A prominent limitation which technology places is that of employee obsolescence. It happens particularly in the fields of business, information technology, medicine and engineering as they require technical expertise. According to Werther and Davis (1996), “Obsolescence results when an employee no longer possesses the knowledge or abilities needed to perform successfully”. This “results from a person’s failure to adapt to new technology”. (p. 299). This can even result in laying off of employees. Human rights activists have been making a hue and cry to curb replacement of workers with machines.
Excessive computer uses especially by data entry clerks at organizations cause repetitive strain injuries. These injuries can be classified into any of the following categories: Bursitis, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Epicondylitis, Osgood-Schlatter disease, Patellar femoral syndrome, Shin splints, Stress fractures and Tendonitis. The use of genetically engineered food by the businesses involved in grocery and edible products threatens the health of the consumers.
Conclusion
Change in technology has definitely helped mankind greatly but is not without its cons.
References
Comstock, Gary. A Brief for the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification of New Zealand. 2007.
Stewart, John. Evolution’s Arrow: The Direction of Evolution and the Future of Humanity. Canberra: The Chapman Press. 2000. Web.
Werther, William B. & Davis, Keith. The Human Resources and Personnel Management, Fifth Edition. New York: McGraw Hill, 1996.
Teens Health: Repetitive Strain Injuries. 2007. Neumors Foundation. Web.