To what extent are labor-saving technologies improving efficiency in the use of human resources? Evidence from the banking industry

• 成果类型: Review
• 署名作者: Fung, Michael K.
• 署名单位: Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• 刊物名称: PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
• ISSN/ISSBN: 1059-1478
• DOI: 10.3401/poms.1070.0003
• 发表日期: 2008
• 页码: 75-92
• 关键词: labor-saving technology; human resources; EFFICIENCY; banking

摘要

With special reference to the banking industry, the objective of this study is to address managerial concerns over the impact of labor-saving technologies on efficiency in the use of human resources. A bank is viewed as a collection of human, technology, and capital resources. Labor-saving technologies are represented by two categories of technology resources-information technologies and patented in-house process innovations. The estimation of a stochastic frontier manpower-requirement function shows that, whereas information technology resources have a direct impact on efficiency in the use of human resources, in-house process innovations have an indirect impact through spillovers. The reduction in labor costs resulting from a more efficient use of human resources is more than enough to cover the required increase in information technology expenditures. This cost-reducing impact is stronger for firms currently employing a lower level of information technologies. The empirical findings also suggest a complementary relationship between information technologies and spillovers of in-house process innovations. The empirical framework proposed in this study can help decision makers determine the optimal input mix of technology and human resources.