Technology does not necessarily lead to efficiency. In the immediate, it leads to greater productivity. The same people, the same place, doing more, in the same period of time.
True efficiency emerges from high productivity when the technologies employed are thoroughly understood and applied properly. And that takes time.
Disruptive technologies increase productivity too, but stunt the emergence of efficiency by hindering the thorough understanding needed.
The last significant disruptive technology affecting jobs was the adoption of the internet -- circa 1997. Since then, organizations have had a lot of time to understand their technologies and improve upon them. I believe the layoffs we have seen in recent years, both in the office and on the shop floor, reflect that.
True efficiency emerges from high productivity when the technologies employed are thoroughly understood and applied properly. And that takes time.
Disruptive technologies increase productivity too, but stunt the emergence of efficiency by hindering the thorough understanding needed.
The last significant disruptive technology affecting jobs was the adoption of the internet -- circa 1997. Since then, organizations have had a lot of time to understand their technologies and improve upon them. I believe the layoffs we have seen in recent years, both in the office and on the shop floor, reflect that.