Technology is the collective term for a number of human activities and systems that involve the use of technology. Technological innovations and inventions create new products and services, which make existing products more efficient, increase the speed of work performed, and reduce costs. Technological systems and activities thus allow humans to work more efficiently while reducing costs. The scope and impact of technological systems and activities is growing exponentially.
Technology is the combination of science and technology that yields practical solutions for problem. Technological systems are typically associated with organizations, but they also affect individuals. For example, in computer science, the term ‘cybernetics’ refers to the application of computer science to the control of networks. In information systems, the term refers to the study of how people store, manage, and process information in organizations and networks.
The scope of technologies is tremendous. Some of the most developed technologies in history have been in existence for millennia. Examples include the compass, alarm clock, gun, television, radio, laptop, telephone, washing machine, sewing machine, refrigerator, washing machines, the computer, desktop, typewriter, personal computer, printing press, radio, gas lights, and the Internet. Technological systems allow humans to communicate, conduct business, and produce and maintain a diverse range of systems and tools. They continue to improve on these tools and systems every day.
The pace of technological change is increasing at an alarming rate. This is creating many different opportunities for both individuals and organizations. Individuals can use technologies to increase their personal capabilities, raise their income, provide greater opportunities for social interaction, reduce the costs of doing business, or to simply survive in a world that continues to change rapidly. Organizations can use these technologies to provide better customer service, more efficient work procedures, more accurate information, increased organizational productivity, and the ability to communicate more effectively with clients and coworkers.
The rapid pace of change and evolution of these technologies has caused some challenges for businesses and other organizations. Human organizations are often at a disadvantage because they do not have the experience or knowledge to adapt to these rapid changes. Organizations must also be able to adjust to the new technologies. Often employees and leaders who are trained to work with particular technologies become uncomfortable when moving to a different environment.
Organizations that embrace change need to establish a baseline of knowledge and understanding of the technologies being replaced and considered for adoption. Employees need to understand the current technologies, how they will be implemented, and what impact the adoption will have on their daily work. Organizations also need to evaluate the benefits of the new technologies and create a social media plan to achieve maximum engagement. Ultimately the goal of adoption is to increase the level of social interactivity within the organization.