ATTITUDES ABOUT THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE: COMPARISON OF U.S. AND JAPANESE WORKERS CHARLES M. SLEM and DANIEL J. LEVI Psychology and Human Development California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo,California 93407 (805) 756-2703 ANDREW YOUNG University Interaction Program Manufacturing Research Northern Telecom Limited 185 Corkstown Road -- Nepean Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4H7 (613) 765-2244 Abstract It was hypothesized that one of the advantages Japanese corporations have in rapidly implementing technological change was related to positive workforce attitudes about technological change in the workplace. The Technological Change Survey was administered to over 1,000 employees in electronics manufacturing companies in the U.S. and Japan. Contrary to predictions, the Japanese were more likely to experience technological change as stressful and less likely to believe technological change would improve their jobs or carreers. The paradoxical effects of Japanese culture and Human Resources practices are examined to explain why Japanese companies are successful in introducing technological change despite the negative attitudes of employees. Article published in: Journal of High Technology Management Research. 6(2):211-228.