The technology worker has replaced the assembly line worker in manufacturing. The
             technology worker is also prevalent in all other aspects of our economy. Probably the defining characteristic of the technology worker is a basic understanding of computers and the ability to manipulate computers to enhance productivity.
             The technology worker does not fit well into the hierarchical scheme developed at the turn of our last century. S/he is a professional and expects to be treated as such. Technology does not lend itself well to operations through rules and procedures, as did the older system. As a professional, the technology worker expects to be consulted as a part of a decision team as opposed to being treated as one at the bottom of a hierarchy.
             The technology worker is also in a constant state of training. The speed of technological change is so great, that continuous education is required to keep up. The technology worker tends to put in longer hours and has high devotion to their work and profession. However, the today's technology worker has much less loyalty to any individual firm than did the earlier assembly line workers. The technology worker insists that his/her skills be utilized in the workplace. The technology worker expects flexible work hours and often expects to be able to work out of the home. Finally, the technology worker expects to be paid very well for the services being provided.
             High Performance Work Organizations. The Commission pointed out that these characteristics of the technology worker requires
             something different in work organization than was true for the old system. To attract and retain technology workers, the firm must begin to manage from the shop floor. Production teams, design teams, and other forms of teams are a central feature of such work organization schemes.
             High performance work organization requires that the employer relinquish some decision-making authority t
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