1. The Impact of New Technologies on Occupational Profiles in the Banking Sector. Case Studies in Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and France. CEDEFOP Panorama.
- Author
-
European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, Thessaloniki (Greece)., Vitali, Laurence, Freiche, Jeanine, Matthews, Alison, and Warmerdam, John
- Abstract
The impact of new technologies on occupational profiles in the banking sector was examined through case studies in four European countries: Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and France. In each country, three types of banking institutions were studied: merchant (Eurobank); "counter" (universal) bank; and telebank (bank operating solely via computer or telephone). Information was obtained through interviews with the banks' general directors and directors of human resources. Trade union representatives were also interviewed. According to those interviewed, mergers and buyouts are increasing and resulting in fewer financial institutions. In absolute terms, employment is increasing in the Netherlands and Luxembourg but decreasing in France and the United Kingdom. Competition is increasing, as are jobs focusing on customer service and customer contact. In all four countries, new technologies are threatening clerical jobs. Computer-aided decision-making software and computerization of many banking operations are threatening many administrative jobs while increasing the demand for specialized banking skills among the few employees who will take over where computer-aided decision-making software leaves off. In almost all banks studied, greater importance is being attached to individual social and behavioral skills and to continuing training (including self-training). (Contains 22 references and 22 tables.) (MN)
- Published
- 1998