Work system change in technical organizations: problems and prospects for avoiding them

Flight controllers at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas are developing a data system to use in support of Space Shuttle flights. The data system will significantly change the way the flight controllers do their jobs. The change is of interest to the engineering manager because it demonstrates how resistance to change can arise, even in highly technical organization, and illustrates useful strategies for overcoming this resistance. The authors focus on the changes brought about by the system, and how it is affecting the mechanical systems section, in particular