The discipline of management of technology, based on considerations related to technology

Based on a critical approach to the discipline of management of technology, this paper raises some questions regarding how well suited different perceptions of technology and management of technology are for managing technology in a world enriched by complexity and diversity. It is argued that state-of-the-art perceptions of technology and management of technology have evolved over the years to include more and more issues. However, three current challenges, new understanding of organisation, strategy, and management, point to a number of discussions for management of technology at this point in time. We therefore argue that a perception of technology should take into account the human aspects of technology, the irrational view of technology as socially constructed, should contribute to the new, non-hierarchical organisation, and make it possible to use the complexity and diversity of the business environment proactively. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.