Perception of job security in a process of technological change: Its influence on psychological well-being

• Published in: Behaviour & information technology Vol. 20; no. 3; pp. 213 - 223
• Main Authors: Vieitez, Jorge Conde, Carcía, Alberto De La Torre, Rodríguez, María Teresa Vega
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Taylor & Francis Group 01-01-2001; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: Sociology
• ISSN: 0144-929X; 1362-3001
• DOI: 10.1080/01449290120718

The main objective of this study was to investigate the perception that workers have of technological change and its relation with psychological variables. The hypotheses investigated are based on the existence of the perception of technological change as a threat to job security and how this affects levels of anxiety, general stress and depression. The study was carried out in two departments of a car component factory: Engine Dept.-1 and Engine Dept.-2, outstanding for the different degrees to which technological innovation had been implemented. As procedure, a questionnaire made up of different scales was administered to a sample of 148 workers. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used as the fundamental statistical instrument. The results indicate that some variables (studies, department type, occupational category, technology type) significantly affect the perception that workers have of technology in relation to job security. The significant relation between technological perception and psychological well-being is also confirmed (F (4, 124) = 0.17, p = 0.00) although no significant differences were found in stress. In conclusion, the results indicate the importance of modifying workers' perceptions of technology in order to prevent problems of psychological well-being.