Top 8 Negative Contributions Of Information Technology That Businesses Need To Be Wary Of
As much as there are a number of positive impacts of information technology on businesses, there are also some negative impacts as well. The negative contributions of information technology has touched major areas of business in all operations from security to team building, and other things. Being conscious of the negative impacts of technology in business can help you plan for them and manage any problems that may arise from them.
Technology has become the core of our daily lives, from when we wake up with the sound of an alarm, to answering calls and messages on the phone. We’re always browsing the internet, whether we are working at a desk or worrying about cyber attacks. No matter what industry you work in, technology has infiltrated into all processes and functions. Many companies have embraced the use of technology, and those that haven’t, are working towards improving their business in line with technological services.
However, not all companies are employing the use of technology in the right way. A lot of people only focus on the positive aspect of technology, and ignore the fact that there are negative impacts too. A conscious look at the negative impacts of information technology on your business is a successful way of making use of technology. This doesn’t mean you won’t use technology, but you have to know how it can negatively affect your business. Let us look at some of the negative contributions of information technology on your business that you need to be wary of.
- Tech Expenses
Any significant technology equipment comes at a huge cost, and has recurring fees, and maintenance fees. Although, the money spent on these equipment are always worth it because they make work easier, faster and cheaper. But the cost in incurring them are always expensive. A lot of businesses just want to have every piece of tech device at their disposal, but they have to analyze the cost first to know if the expenses is worth it at that time. As a small startup business, there are some tech equipment you do not need, and you must be aware of this so you don’t incur debts in your business.
- Training and Retraining
Technologies involve new ways of doing things, and this means more training on hardware, software, and methods of using them. Training and Retraining employees requires time and money. And the time spent on training is time not spent on customers and business growth. Most technologies keep improving by the day, so you have to keep training and retraining your staff.
- The Bleeding Edge
Dealing with new technology can be disruptive, other than productive. The positive impacts that come with new technology can also come with serious threats attached to it. Most times, tech specialists want to invent new technology and put them out to be used, but not tested, with the hope of improving on them later. So, people that adopt those technologies early will be stuck with a tech that doesn’t meet up with expectations. The bad part is that some companies may have spent a lot of money to install this new app, and then they end up with a very bad debt.
- Technology dependence
Since most businesses benefit from technology, they have become so dependent on it such that if there is tech failure, they will be stuck on their operations. For instance, a coffee making company employs the use of machines to print stickers, and also make different drinks. They have been so used to these machines that they no longer train new staff on how to do it manually. So, if they are faced with machine failures or tech system failures, they will be stuck, and this will lead to reduced customer experience.
Many technology companies use different hardware and software that can lead to a situation called vendor lock-in. Vendor lock-in occurs when you’re not satisfied with a vendor’s products, and you can’t get another one. Most times, businesses just go with a vendor’s technology because changing it can be hard.
- Reduced interpersonal communication
This is a negative impact on business as it constantly reduces interpersonal relationships in the office. There can be communication, but relationships are lost. And a lack of close relationships can have negative impacts on teams in a company. Most companies have shifted their meetings to zoom, skypes, and the likes, so instead of walking up to each other’s deal, you just communicate through a beep on your phone.
It is said that good relationships with team members can enhance the productivity of people in a company. With the increase of technology in businesses, good interpersonal relationship is reduced amongst staff.
Read Also: Strategic Planning and its Impact on Organizational Performance
- Hacking and data Loss
Data is being stored online, and on databases, and this has made them more vulnerable to data thieves. Hacking has become the norm of the day, as most company data, sensitive information, private and confidential customer information is stored online through technology. As much as this makes data storage easier and faster, it also opens the data up to hackers and data thieves.
- Distraction
Distraction is one of the most dangerous impacts of technology in the business world. For instance, if you’re working on your PC that is connected to the internet, there is the likelihood of notifications, web openings, emails flowing in, as you work. Itleada ro reduction in work productivity, pressure, and even frustration at times. Technology distracts people from achieving a state of flow at work, a state where they are completely absorbed in their work for enhanced results. Distraction leads to chemical imbalance in the brain, which leads to stress and anxiety.
- Addiction
The need to constantly look at one’s phone, constantly check emails and notifications has led to addiction of gadgets and the Internet. Study has it that people who have addiction to gadgets have high levels of GABA (gamma amino butyric acid); a chemical that reduces signals in the brain. This chemical is connected to eyesight, motor control, and other brain functions. Manu of us do not know that there is a negative effect of gadgets on physical health. This health problem can accumulate to cause a reduction in a person’s performance at work, exposing the person to risk of mental issues.
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