Analysing production disturbances for aligning work organisation, human resource management, and digital transformation

Workplace innovation is about implementing combined interventions in the domains of work organisation, human resources, and technology. In current times of digital transformation, the question arises of how to embed the new technologies in an integrated workplace innovation approach. A brief literature overview shows that the interplay between these three domains has received attention in recent literature on the ongoing digital transformation. To clarify the conceptual relation between the three domains, we focus on the concept of production disturbances. We present a definition of production disturbances and describe how disturbances can be dealt with. We elaborate on the potential impact of production disturbances on organisational performance and quality of working life. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is described in terms of the production disturbances it may cause. The divisions of work, human resources, and technology are identified as infrastructural conditions for preventing and handling production disturbances. The importance of a combined approach of these three infrastructural conditions is illustrated with recent case studies on virtual teams, and workplace innovation in a machine production company. To conclude this chapter, we argue that a focus on production disturbances could improve our understanding of the potential impact of implementing new technologies on the autonomy of employees, as well as on organisational performance. Production disturbances may thus be a key concept for further workplace innovation research in times of digital transformation and pandemic disruption.