A psychological study of advanced manufacturing technology: the concept of coupling

Abstract

The role played by technology as a discrete independent variable in shaping the design of work is explored. The concept of coupling is developed and an empirical study of work with advanced manufacturing technology (AMT), using measurement scales derived from this concept, is outlined. Results indicate that operators of tightly coupled AMT perceive stronger supervisory influence on their working methods and show signs of lower intrinsic job satisfaction and poorer mental health than operators of more loosely coupled AMT. Implications for job redesign are discussed.