The introduction of new or advanced technology: The role of the industrial psychologist

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to discuss the role that the industrial psychologist must and can play in the introduction of new or advanced technology. In the article attention is given to three topics: firstly, the rationale behind the industrial psychologist's contribution which finds its foundation in the discrepancy which usually arises between the expected and actual performance of a technology after its introduction; secondly a suggested methodology to assist the industrial psychologist in fulfilling his,her role in this respect; and thirdly, the major responsibilities of the industrial psychologist in this regard. Opsomming Die doel van hierdie artikel is om die rol wat die bedryfsielkundige moet en kan speel in die implementering van nuwe of gevorderde tegnologie aan te toon. In die artikel word die volgende drie aspekte bespreek: eerstens, die rasionaal onderliggend aan die bedryfsielkundige se bydrae wat sy oorsprong vind in die verskil wat gewoonlik ontstaan tussen die verwagte en werklike prestasie van 'n tegnologie na implementering; tweedens, 'n voorgestelde metodologie wat die bedryfsielkundige kan gebruik om sy/haar rol in hierdie verband te kan vervul; en derdens die belangrikste verantwoordelikhede van die bedryfsielkundige in hierdie hoedanigheid.

Keywords

• Role of the industrial psychologist