| Every profession has its jokes. For instance about | | | | helpful, but often not taking into account that |
| economists: ten economists come up with eleven | | | | differences in use and personal situations in which |
| opinions on the economy. An example of an | | | | the technology can be used or will (not) be used. |
| engineering joke is this one: what's the difference | | | | In the information system domain -- computer |
| between a mechanical engineer and civil engineer? | | | | engineering -- this issue comes up when |
| One builds bombs the other builds targets. (1) | | | | implementing a new information system. The |
| Jokes often reflect some truth as they tend to | | | | problem is often than the current organization will |
| magnify some main characteristic of someone or | | | | have subjected to the features of the system, |
| in this a professional. | | | | whereas it would be more human that the |
| One engineer however doesn't make an | | | | system subjects to the demands of the |
| engineering culture. And then there are different | | | | organization. |
| sorts of engineering professions, for example the | | | | For engineers it is very important that they work |
| computer engineer - information technology - who | | | | closely with marketers, physiologists and other |
| is designing, building, programming... computer | | | | professionals who can translate the raw functions |
| systems. | | | | of a new tool to useful equipment for people. |
| The saying that is often heard in this context is: | | | | Another area where the engineering culture may |
| "you cannot fix people in the same way that you | | | | cause friction with other cultures in organizations is |
| can fix machines." | | | | on change. Engineers often think that everything |
| Although we often engage in social engineering, | | | | is possible; everything can be build and sometimes |
| the engineering language is not equally applicable in | | | | instantly. Here too the human interaction is the |
| areas outside their specific domain; people do not | | | | problem; people often resent change and stick to |
| respond in the same way as machines do. | | | | old habits. |
| What is this terminology of the engineer? | | | | The engineer wants to implement change faster |
| "Problems need solutions." Technology is always | | | | than organization is able to manage (change). |