Assessing technological productivity gains: Benson and Parker revisited Available to Purchase

Organizations are constantly seeking productivity improvements through technology. But how do you define productivity and, most importantly, how is it measured in the information workplace? In today’s cost‐effective environment, it is often difficult to justify the implementation of technology without an adequate measure of its effectiveness. Prior to the information age, a simple cost‐benefit analysis was adequate justification for the purchase and implementation of new technology. In 1988 Benson and Parker devised a tool that can assist measuring information output (productivity). This paper reviews the methodology of the authors and the value added to performance with the implementation of technology to achieve productivity gains. The author also found that there is a strong correlation that exists between technology implementation, people and productivity. The paper concludes with a view of the importance of understanding risk factors involved in the implementation of technology to achieve added productivity gains.