The invisible hand guiding technology: crossing the boundary of technology

Kakabadse, N. K. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9517-8279, Kakabadse, A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0031-7767, Knyght, R. and Lee-Davies, L. (2011) The invisible hand guiding technology: crossing the boundary of technology. International Journal of E-Politics, 2 (4). pp. 1-15. ISSN 1947-914x doi: 10.4018/jep.2011100101

Abstract/Summary

This paper examines attitudes towards Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and explores the wider concerns of the ever increasing prospect of social tagging. Capturing vignettes and narratives from a sample of study participants, the paper highlights concerns about adopting RFID implements now and in the future. The views captured through qualitative methodology act as the platform for a wider argument concerning the human rights and privacy intrusion concerns over IT applications. Intended as an insight into the reality of technology impact, this paper lists a series of questions for leaders to consider over matters of human rights specifically concerning RFID adoption. The authors conclude that caution, naivety and fear are the underlying reasons for society accepting RFIDs without question and that RFIDs will be a part of everyday working and domestic life in the near future.