Influence of information technology on labour relations in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Information technology has fundamentally exercised an impact on the employment relationship. Firstly, and most obviously, technology is often used as a substitute for labour. However, improvements in information technology have also served to complement labour. Thus triggered employees to strive to maintain their status not just as another commodity of production, but a vital cog in the organisation. Organisational structures changed to such an extent that employers consult their employees about introduction and implementation of new information technologies in the workplace in order to ensure a well organised introduction and structured implementation. The aim of this research is to conceptualise the influence of information technology from the literature, and to determine how new information technologies affect and are affected by the efficiency and effectiveness of task execution on the geographical distribution of work, and the distinct differences that can be observed under varying technical conditions in the characteristics of organisational structure and culture, which are cooperation, influence, communication and employment policies. A study population was• identified within an information technology environment. The study population can be defined as employees in different organisations of one information technology environment in Dubai (United Arab Emirates). A stratified random sample of 360 of the total population of 540 employees (66.67%) in the information technology environment was targeted. A response rate of 70% was achieved, of which 252 responses (99.6%) could be utilised. According to analyses of the data and results of the study the researcher was able to conclude that the need for the implementation of advanced information technology in organisations had increased, that is, if organisations wished to operate in the modem world of business, but it was revealed that little if any corrective channels or procedures accompanied such implementation to ensure effectiveness and efficiency. The researcher established that setting clear goals and objectives for the organisation would help to maintain harmonious relationships. This can be only achieved if the parties to the employment relation understand their stand and role concerning new information technologies. The research consists of the following chapters: Chapter 1: Introduction. Chapter 2: Theories of information technology and labour relations. Chapter 3: Influence of information technology on the role players within the labour relations. Chapter 4: Empirical discussion Chapter 5: Overview, recommendations and concluding remarks. Recommendations for the future research are made.