Selection and Training for Integrated Manufacturing: The Moderating Effects of Job Characteristics

This study examined the conditions under which aspects of integrated manufacturing (e.g. advanced manufacturing technology, total quality management, just-in-time inventory control) lead to selection and/or training for technical and problem-solving skills of employees. Results from our study of 74 plants showed main effects of advanced manufacturing technology and total quality management on training for technical and problem-solving skills, but no main effects on selection. In addition, employee job characteristics were studied to examine the degree to which they might moderate the effects of integrated manufacturing. Several interaction effects were found as they related to staffing and training practices. In general, staffing was used less in response to integrated manufacturing when employees' jobs involved high levels of task uncertainty and interdependence. In contrast, the effects on training remained steady or increased under conditions of task uncertainty. Based on this, we conclude that staffing and training are emphasized under different circumstances and, therefore, should not be simply viewed as substitutes for one another in responding to the demands of integrated manufacturing. Our results are discussed in terms of their theoretical and practical implications.