Technology can be defined as the making, usage, modification and knowledge of machines, tools, crafts, systems, techniques, methods of organization so as to solve problems and perform specific functions. It is with no doubt that technology affects human’s ability to adapt and control their natural environments. Human beings use of technology started with conversion of the natural resources to simple tools. Historical discovery to control fire helped in increasing the available food sources and the invention of wheel which assisted humans to travel and control their environment.
The recent developments in technology which include the telephone, printing press and also the internet have reduced the physical barriers in communication and have also continued to allow human beings to freely interact on a global level. However, some of the technology has not been used for peaceful intentions. There has been development of weapons which have huge powers of destruction and this has continued throughout the history to the now nuclear weapons. It is a fact that technology has adversely affected the society and its environments in so many ways.
In most of the societies, technology has played a major role in the development of more improved economies and has also seen the development of the leisure class. Even with the good impacts of technology, many processes of technology produce by-products which are unwanted and as a result they pollute and deplete the natural resources which lead to detriment of the Earth. Implementation of technology influences values of societies and for this reason, new technology usually raises lots of ethical questions. An example is the increase of the notion of efficiency as regards to human productivity a term which was originally used for machines.
Technology has been used to improve human beings intellectually and physically even though now many people have discovered that technology is a two-sided sword which has its benefits almost equal to the downsides. People say that many jobs will disappear due to technological advancements which in turn threaten importance of the job. Currently, most jobs such as the Automated Teller Machines have replaced the bank tellers, operators have been replaced by the answering machines and products on the Internet shopping sites have replaced salesmen .
Most people have only considered the negatives of technology only to conclude that technology is not all beneficial to the society. Despite the fact that technology and machines have replaced jobs which were being carried out by human beings, these jobs have not been completely eliminated, they are just changed to forms that human beings do not carry on the tasks. The jobs are changed to forms that make it easy for human beings to do their work courtesy of technology. An example is the way human beings utilize the usefulness of machines so as to produce food and other products in large amounts.
Engineers and other experts are also employed in the development of ways which enhance the existing technologies. Even with the social issues that surround the idea of technology of replacing human beings, most people would be in agreement that if certain jobs are being carried out by machines which are incapable of independent thoughts, then the jobs are not suitable for humans who have that ability to do so. It is a fact that technology has proven very helpful in the eradication of useless jobs and at the same time decreasing labor costs and also creating new jobs.
View of technology in the improvement of the business industry
Technology has made major contributions to most of the changes and revolutionary ideas in the functioning and structuring of the society. Its contribution to the commerce world is also not less. It is with no doubt that economy forms the backbone of every society and hence the introduction of technology in the business field automatically influences the whole structure of civilization. The impacts of technology are large in the competitiveness of the different business industries.
Companies have continued to undergo crucial transformations in their working and organizational aspects. Technology has become an important part in their methods of work. Now days, most companies are making it necessary to have their offices completely computerize and every little aspect of organization is carried out by use of gadgets like computers. Internet on the other hand has allowed most companies to expand from national or local forums to international ones. Globalization of businesses has been possible by the technology. It is technology that has enabled businesses which are dispersed in the world to communicate and stay in touch with each other.
Increase in productivity is an advantage to the business transaction in that employees experience easy access to the internet and as such efficiency is increased. It is technology that has continued to facilitate team networking hence ensuring that the employees are able to achieve the companies’ goals and objectives. When it comes to manufacturing, machines have improved production of goods. Quality of goods and at a faster rate is ensured by mechanization of most of the industries. This has resulted to reduction in pressure which was experienced in the tradition methods of production which required high manpower resources.
Ensuring customer satisfaction and customer care have gained emphasis as the employees are given data reports and analysis of the administrative system that pin points the regions which need improvements for the betterment of the companies. Many softwares have been introduced by technology which assist in troubleshooting and brainstorming on solution to problems faced by companies. Advancements of technology have also introduced electronic mobility which has completely changed the face of commerce. Today, marketing strategies are being planned based on technological help which they are able to access. Telecommunication technology has also played a major part in raising sales in various businesses as they make collaboration and resource sharing easily possible.
Despite the commendable innovations that technology has brought to the business world, it has had its fair share of drawbacks. The internet technology has reduced the personal aspect of relationships in businesses. In earlier times, business people networked in golf courses and in restaurants. Now days, lack of physical proximity has reduced brainstorming and the communications which use personal touch. Installation of monitoring devices at places of work sends a message to the employees that their employers do not trust them and this has been proven by a research carried out by Professor Howard Besser. This in the long run reduces the morale of employees.
The idea of most businesses going online has resulted to more cyber crime like internet fraud and hacking. Embezzlement of huge amounts of money is possible due to the high end technology and this is a very major negative impact on the commerce industry. Technology has also resulted to the high competitiveness in the market which has made the smaller businesses go out of business as they cannot keep up with the competition.
References
Griffith, T. L. (2001). Evolution of technology. Emerald Group.
Ozlem Bak, N. S. (2011). Impact of E-Business Technologies on Public and Private Organizations. Industry Comparisons and Perspectives , 150-163.
Postman, N. (2006). The Surrender of Culture to Technology. New York: Vintage.
