The Productivity Paradox, Myth or Reality?

This article is considered to be a landmark in both the academic and business literature regarding the Productivity Paradox. Starting with the previous research found in the specialized literature of some reference authors, this article intends to clarify the Productivity Paradox by labeling it either as a myth or as a reality of the economic cycle. This paper approaches the concept of Productivity Paradox in dynamics, starting with the Information Technology cycle and its connection with the Work Productivity. For each studied period: MECHANIZATION (1960-1990), AUTOMATION (1990-2005) and ROBOTICS (2005-2015), there are presented the causes which are inherent in Productivity Paradox, the main problems generated by it and the potential solutions, the focus being on the Strategic Alignment. In the end, this article presents some aspects regarding the implications of the paradox and the possibilities to point it out in the near future. The problem of the Productivity Paradox is a complex one (sometimes a myth, sometimes a reality of the academic environment), with effects that spread in time and that is why it should be treated carefully.