Abstract

The paper presents a critical analysis of current conceptual framework applied
to identify technical knowledge content of industrial jobs. It points to the obsolescence of
the notion of “task” traditionally used to describe workplaces and to control labor productivity.
Based on empirical research on technological changes in control process of petrochemical,
steel and pulp and paper companies, the author suggests that a new conception
of time – a “digital” and qualitative type of time – replaces the traditional quantitative time
through which taylorism established its control techniques.

JEL Classification: J22; J21; J20.