Effects of deskilling ---

Question 1

Work more flexible and specialised

Answer 1

Piore argues that assembly line Fordist techniques of production are out of date and the economy is now post-Fordist. He says computerisation makes work become flexible as the same machines can perform a range of tasks, giving firms flexibility to alter production lines to meet changing consumer demands
This means workers also have to be more flexible as product lines can change quickly, so multi skilled, adaptable workers are required to perform a range of changing tasks and jobs.

In automation, workers have responsibility for supervising and maintaining machinery, they can move around a factory, mix with others and work gives them a meaning and purpose; this results in high levels of job satisfaction and low levels of alienation. intrinsic attitudes to work

Question 2

Flexible A03:

Answer 2

Most workers, production has not become more skilled and more workers are now expected to perform a wider range of tasks requiring little skill. Many workers will now have many different jobs in their lives and face the need to retrain for different jobs because of changing technology.

Question 3

Make workers more independent

Answer 3

lead to workers having ‘responsible autonomy’ and it happens when workers can make decisions for themselves, have the option of working flexi hours and experience more teamwork, such as when a group of workers takes responsibility for production.

Piore says computer technology and flexible specialisation has increased job satisfaction as workers are multi skilled and involved in producing highly specialised products. eg at Microsoft, teams of workers are responsible for developing products, they are committed and responsible to fellow team members and not strictly controlled by managers.

Question 4

Independent A03

Answer 4

high level of job satisfaction is only for a few highly skilled professionals. Most workers are powerlessness at work, with no control over decisions. Most employers have limited commitment to their workers and most work is now more insecure, with short term contracts or zero hour contracts.