The Psychology of Workplace Technology

"Editors Coovert (Univ. of South Florida) and Thompson (North Carolina State Univ.) have compiled a timely collection on the psychological ramifications of technology in the workplace. ... This volume is unique in coverage and will interest anyone concerned with the implications of technology in the workplace. Summing Up: Recommended." -G.E. Kaupins, Boise State Unversity, in CHOICE, January 2014

"Writing will create forgetfulness in the learners’ souls, because they will not use their memories; they will trust to the external written characters and not remember of themselves….They will appear to be omniscient and will generally know nothing." Thus argued Socrates, as reported in Phaedrus (Plato, 370 BCE). New technology always provokes controversy. There is much to do. It’s time for us not only to trust the external written characters but also, as is done here, to keep investigating the human dimensions and impacts of the tools we use." --Milton D. Hakel, Ph.D., Bowling Green State University

"Technology is an ubiquitous force driving the nature of work and organizational behavior, yet, with few exceptions, it has had a remarkably stealthy presence in industrial and organizational psychology for far too long. This book, with its exceptional array of topics and leading authors, is long overdo. It examines the broad sweep of technology applications and impacts -- current and future -- that shape behavior in the workplace. It is highly recommended."--Steve W.J. Kozlowski, Professor of Organizational Psychology, Michigan State University

"Coovert and Thompson have assembled an outstanding list of authors in this edited volume who have discussed how technology for better or worse affects the workplace and how I/O psychologists can use technology-based tools to enhance tools selection, training, performance management, teamwork, and leadership development. In addition, the authors have pointed out the potential pitfalls and ways to avoid them. In light of continuous technological improvements, this volume includes chapters on topics on which technology is just beginning to impinge – virtual teams, work place monitoring, employee stress, health, and well-being as well as chapters that focus on what the future is likely to bring. This book is important reading for anyone who practices I/O psychology using technology in the workplace." --Nancy T. Tippins, Ph.D., Valtera Corporation