ICT, Work Organisations, and Society

Abstract

The present fourth period, the network period, is characterised by a convergence of three main technologies (computer technology, telecommunication technology, and media technology) into information and communication technology (ICT). ICT are embedded in many things and the invisible microcomputerisation that once took off with the chips is enhanced through nanotechnology, biotechnology, and wireless technology—often entitled ubiquitous computing. The author presents ongoing changes in work life and presents a rtheoretical model: The convergence theory on ICT and psychosocial life environment. The convergence model reflects some main ongoing processes in the network society encompassing various spheres of life (professional, private, and public). Sociological theories on the Information Society are discussed in this context as well as theories from the information systems (IS) community. In the Future Trends section the new international collaboration is addressed where research and policy (including politics) develop goals and strategies to deal with societal and psychosocial changes related to the development, introduction, and use of ICT.