Subjectivity and Technology in Work of Technicians in Periodical Technical Inspection Stations

Abstract

The article deals with the subjectivity-technology theme and is based on qualitative study of technologically highly mediated technicians' work in two stations for periodical technical inspection of vehicles in Croatia. Specifically, it is studied how supervisors for periodical technical inspection of vehicles interpret the place and importance of their subjective judgements in contrast to technologically driven advancement of devices they use in everyday work activities. The main concepts guiding the analysis stems from the organizational research on work and technology according to which human beings act toward things on the basis of the meanings that things have for them. Other concepts included structural aspect of technicians' professional identity and work autonomy, organizational contingencies and social interactions as integral part of technical work. Four descriptively based themes emerged through the procedure of summing up the findings. They suggest strong and enduring intertwining of human factor and technology in contingent organizational context. Findings suggest that subjective judgements are regarded as necessary human activity permanently related to simultaneous use of devices in the process of inspection where recognizing complex task related appearances, and spotting unusual events are integral part of work. Finally, interactional patterns suggested communications as the integral part of the job, often as the most difficult, stressful but simultaneously indispensable condition for work to be done correctly.