Nowadays, almost every organisation has implemented some form of Information Technology (IT). In most cases, business processes do profit from these IT solutions and it gives change to automate a lot of (boring) work. IT systems are getting cleverer and provides us with more and more accurate information. The significant advantages of IT are not hard to find. However, every business must also consider the substantial disadvantages. Of course, IT is an ongoing expense, considering the purchasing costs, maintenance expenses, repair, updates and expenses the necessary training. But more importantly, the effects on the people who are expected to work with and around the IT-systems should not be underestimated.
A realistic threat is the possible ‘information-overkill’ that is coming with the expansion of IT-systems. Not only in private life, but also in the professional atmosphere the amount of information coming to people is increasing. Finding the right and relevant information, archiving and the number of messages and e-mails in the inboxes are factors that could lead to a needless loss of time and energy. A lack of overview is lurking, and in the bad cases employees need to spend a lot of time filtering en sorting information.
Moreover, technology can be the cause of distraction and stress. Not only the specific business applications through which we are constantly attainable, but the whole technology-infusion in the lives of people can cause a loss of the power to concentrate. Organisations have to contemplate on this phenomenon. People tend to constantly check for mail and messages, especially in an environment where they get all kinds of signals when this is the case. This, of course, is a source of distraction and mental exhaustion. Without the right balance in the use of technology, employees are also in danger of social disconnection to other colleagues. On the short term, productivity can increase by implementing IT-systems, but on the long term it brings dangers for the satisfaction and well-being of employees.
Obviously, this does not mean that technology is harmful in most cases. It is a dangerous side effect of technology and can be destructive for businesses. It is a serious challenge for (information) executives to design workplaces that take these risks into account and that encourage the adoption of healthy and constructive technology habits.
Sources:
1.https://smallbusiness.chron.com/disadvantages-business-communication-technology-1799.html
2.https://smallbusiness.chron.com/disadvantages-using-technology-business-23450.html
3.https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/may/27/world-distraction-demands-new-focus
4.https://www2.deloitte.com/insights/us/en/focus/behavioral-economics/negative-impact-technology-business.html
5.https://www.emerce.nl/wire/informatie-overkill-vraagt-om-inzet-professional-organizers
Nice article Marco! In this time where everyone is hyped about information and its positive effects, it is interesting to read that it also can have a negative side which we should manage. I once read an very interesting article written by Paul Hemp about why we can not just stop whining about information overload (https://hbr.org/2009/09/death-by-information-overload). He writes about practical ways for individuals and organizations to ‘manage the beast while still respecting it for the beautiful creature it is’. His main message is that technological aids can help, but are not enough. The culture of organizations as a whole should change, for example norms should be set when it comes to communication and e-mailing. But while setting this norms, the organization should watch out it not simply shifts the burden from one group to another. I strongly recommend you to read this article.
Thank you for your response, Erica. I fully agree with the author of the article. The psychological impact of e-mail interruption he mentions is very interesting, but, moreover, quite shocking. I am glad to read about proposed solutions and practical directions. However, I think the overload (also in the private sphere) is not the only problem. Information systems used inside organisations are often too complex and employees do have access to too much information. It is a challenge for companies to get the right and needed, and only the right and needed, information to the right persons.