Changing Manufacturing Technologies and Policies, and the Role of Manufacturing Managers

Changing manufacturing policy and manufacturing technology has had serious implications for production managers. A survey to identify the nature and extent of the impact of changes in manufacturing technology on the jobs of production or manufacturing managers shows that managers are concerned about the changing nature of their jobs and are increasingly dissatisfied with their roles. Their jobs are diminished but more stressful because they must maintain responsibility over a system over which they have little control. Yet they need a wider range of skills, e.g. people management and a broad knowledge of different subjects, to perform this role. The inevitability of change and the future directions in this area are discussed.