Managers' perceptions towards automation in manufacturing

Abstract

Based on a survey of managers' perceptions, the major benefits and problems related to the adoption of new automated manufacturing systems have been identified. Variables related to cost justification are perceived to be less important than variables associated with improved flexibility and product quality in influencing a company's intention to raise its level of technological sophistication in the manufacturing area. Problems associated with employee resistance are perceived to be less influential in hampering firms to raise their level of manufacturing automation than variables pertaining to start up, financial justification, and system maintenance. Of several organizational context variables examined, only the type of industry within which the firm functions and the existence of unions in the firm appear to affect managers' perceptions of the benefits of automation. None of these moderating variables seems to influence managers' perceptions of problems related to the adoption of automated manufacturing systems.