The Contradiction at the Heart of Technology and Society

It is a commonly held belief that the world runs on technology. However, when you delve deeper, the assumption that all technology inherently functions as intended is challenged. In reality, many technologies that claim to 'work'—such as washing machines and dishwashers—still rely on a fundamental contradiction in economics. Human beings, for instance, might not even use technology if it failed to function effectively, indicating that the claim of a product 'working' is often a form of social construct rather than a hard and fast fact.

Economic Contradictions in Technology

The basic contradiction in economics is that the cost of one person is often the income of another. In any economy, costs and incomes are intertwined; what one individual or industry does to generate income often results in costs for others. This contradiction is particularly pronounced in the realm of technology. While technology is supposed to streamline and enhance our lives, it frequently shifts costs to the societal level, polluting land, water, and air in the process.

Worker Identity and Corporate Culture

The role of a worker within an organization is also subject to this duality. Is a worker in an organization a complementary emotional component, contributing to the emotional symbiosis of the organization, or is the worker merely a disposable tool—a 'Use and Discord' figure? The management thinking of today, heavily influenced by the 'Hire and Fire' philosophy, often sees workers as disposable. This attitude can lead to a mentality amongst employees of exploiting the organization for short-term gains before moving on to another one for better pay, thus reducing emotional identification with the organization.

Public Sector versus Private Sector

Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and Private Sector companies operate under different paradigms. In a PSU, the worker is often seen as a vital emotional component, resulting in a sense of belonging and responsibility for the environment. This approach naturally fosters a more sustainable and less polluting environment. Conversely, in a private sector company, the sole criterion is profit, which often means reducing costs and increasing income. This 'cost-cutting' mentality often entails reducing the number of employees, a practice which can be seen under the guise of 'Hire and Fire.'

Impact on Society and Environment

The shift in costs from the private sector to society and the environment amplifies the catastrophe. As the number of employees in the private sector decreases, the market they generate dwindles. This shift results in a concentration of market power in fewer hands, potentially leading to a less diverse and potentially less sustainable economic landscape. Furthermore, as PSUs are handed over to private entities, we see a further reduction in the income generation by the workforce. This not only increases social costs but also diminishes the environmental benefits that PSUs might provide.

Conclusion

The world runs on technology, but not all technology actually works in the idealized sense. The fundamental contradiction in economics and the changing roles of workers in organizations underscore the need for a more holistic approach to technology and its integration into society. Emphasizing the emotional and sustainable aspects of work, as seen in PSUs, can help mitigate the negative environmental and social impacts often attributed to technological advancements in the private sector.