Implementation of Office Automation and Its Effects on Job Characteristics and Strain in a District Court

Abstract

Using a longitudinal case study design, the implementation of office automation was examined at a district court office during a 4-year period. The aims of the study were to examine the effects of the implementation of office automation on perceived job characteristics and on the personnel's short-term mental strain, long-term mental strain, and job satisfaction. All occupational groups at the district court, that is, the office workers, the judges, and the court clerks, participated in the study. After the implementation, the office workers perceived their job as slightly more interesting than before the implementation. After the implementation, their short-term mental strain was slightly lower than before it. However, this effect seemed to diminish in the long run. On the other hand, a slight increase in the office workers' long-term strain was found. Moreover, the judges' job characteristics changed slightly. Using a longitudinal research design, the development of job stress among the personnel at the district court could be followed up, and the changes in job stress could be compared according to the phases of the implementation of office automation.