Libro en PDF - DIT - Universidad Politécnica de Madrid

Complejidad y Tecnologías de la InformaciónIn [1] and [27] it has been shown that this conceptual model reflects the variouspossible perspectives of the office, as synthesized in [8]. In [27] the model hasbeen analyzed as a tool for developing, in conjunction with cybernetics, a newvision of technological innovation in organizations through office automation.7.1 A non-technical language for managersThe primary advantage of such a framework is that it allows a comprehensive evaluationof technology without requiring extensive technical knowledge. In otherwords, it provides a new and accurate language for expressing any kind of technologicalneed posed by the organization, while avoiding the severe limitationsarising from the language used by specialists.By using the model, the manager can easily identify in which levels technology isto be applied, and always has at hand the references which make evolutionpossible; not only with technology but also coherently with corporate objectives.These three levels (Individual Processes, Systemic Processes and Global Process)constitute a step-by-step approach to Office Automation as well as a non-traumaticway for assimilating technology into work environments. At the same time, itpermits managers to identify the most appropriate technology for each level, andto be guided by what it is actually done in the office, instead of what technologyhas to offer.In this way, managers have a very powerful methodology for planning their technologicalstrategies without having to face solely technical issues. As concernstechnology, the model points out a very clear path for innovation and research.Once the first level (The Tool Box) is overcome, technology should concentrate onsolving cooperation issues, integrating first level tools into full solutions toSystemic Process problems. This trend has already begun, as shown by thegrowing interest in Computer Supported Cooperative Work. But the fields wheremajor research is still needed are basically Office Information Systems; the approachof technology to corporate activities; understanding the organization as a whole,and the study of implied factors (social, job satisfaction, organizational changes,corporate goals, evolution, competitiveness, etc.).We would like to underscore the potential the model shows for serving as acommon reference for the two major participants in Office Automation, users andproducers, integrating both perspectives, top-down for the first, bottom-up for thelatter, and opening new domains for action.348