SociologyBusinessEngineering

P. Bain, P. Taylor

2000.3.1NEW TECHNOLOGY WORK AND EMPLOYMENT

DOI: 10.1111/1468-005x.00061

tlooto Summary

Worker resistance in call centres is reevaluated against Fernie and Metcalf's 'electronic panopticon' perspective, highlighting emerging forms of employee resistance.

Abstract

This article presents a thoroughgoing critique of Fernie and Metcalf's perspective, that the call centre is characterised by the operation of an 'electronic panopticon' in which supervisory power has been 'rendered perfect'. Drawing on evidence from a telecommunications call centre the authors analyse the significance of emerging forms of employee resistance.

Citation format

BAIN, P.; TAYLOR, P. Entrapped by the 'electronic panopticon'? Worker resistance in the call centre. NEW TECHNOLOGY WORK AND EMPLOYMENT, 2000, 15: 2–18.