Exploring the Human Factors Behind Resistance to Automation in the Workplace
Keywords:
Resistance to automation, human factors, workplace transformation, employee trust, qualitative study, organizational culture, emotional responsesAbstract
This study aimed to identify and analyze the key human factors contributing to resistance to automation in the workplace among employees from diverse sectors in Armenia. A qualitative exploratory research design was adopted, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 26 participants selected through purposive sampling. Participants were drawn from manufacturing, finance, healthcare, logistics, and IT sectors, all of whom had experienced automation-related changes in their job environments. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis, following an inductive coding approach with the assistance of NVivo software (version 12). Themes were developed through open, axial, and selective coding, and analytical rigor was ensured through constant comparison and peer review. The analysis yielded four main themes influencing resistance to automation: perceived job insecurity, emotional and psychological barriers, organizational and cultural factors, and loss of human interaction. Subthemes included fear of unemployment, skill irrelevance, identity threat, exclusion from decision-making, lack of trust in automation, and workplace dehumanization. Participants reported anxiety, reduced motivation, and a diminished sense of role security. Resistance emerged as a rational and emotionally charged response to disruptions in professional identity, communication breakdowns, and perceived inequities. Trust in automation was found to be conditional, context-dependent, and shaped by past experiences and organizational transparency. Resistance to automation is driven by complex emotional, psychological, and structural dynamics rather than mere reluctance to adopt new technologies. Organizations must adopt inclusive, transparent, and empathetic strategies to manage automation transitions, ensuring that employees feel valued, informed, and supported throughout the process. Addressing these human concerns is essential to achieving successful and sustainable automation outcomes.
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