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Technology: Adapting to a Changing EnvironmentSubject: Technology, Risk, Change, Downsizing, Adaptation, Competition, Max Weber, Innovation
As jobs today are being transformed because of
technology, why are individuals having a difficult time finding good paying
jobs? Well the answer can be quite convoluted given today's changing
market environment. Nonetheless, here are some RANDOM thoughts on how
technology, along with innovation, drives the uncertainty and anxiety many feel today with
regard to job security. Rightsizing One of the most popular, if not repugnant, terms that echoes throughout the hallowed halls of corporate America is ‘downsizing’. Or, to be politically correct, ‘rightsizing’. As jobs began to disappear in the early 80s, affecting especially middle management, the idea of job security was shaken at its very foundation.
Although many social and economic forces
contributed to this eventuality, technology was the favorite whipping post
(second to corporate executive high salaries) for the guardians of the status
quo. And just as the middle class is being shifted, either downward or upward,
so is middle management. The direction of the shift is dependent, not only
managerial ability, but also with the technical competencies and adaptability
required to do and support these new jobs.
Effects of Technology
This can be said is true of the individual as
well. These realignments in the process and information is the direct result of
implementing new technologies to remain competitive. As technology continues its
rapid penetration into our lives, professional and private, it is becoming
apparent that those who choose not to embrace it are only hurting themselves.
As one article pointed out, “the economy is creating millions of new ones (jobs)
that once we would never have dreamed of. The trouble is: many require skills
that most of today’s workers still don’t have.”
An employee today can be paid specifically for
designing Web sites for different companies who sell their services on-line.
It’s a job that didn’t exist in the industry 10-20 years ago. Designing Web
sites is a ‘task’ specific job that requires a good background and understanding
of what can be done and what options are available. To remain competitive
on the Web, it is necessary to have the latest state-of-the-art ‘look’ and be
able to drive traffic. This requires investing time in finding out what
competitors are doing and how to utilize the information off the internet.
Individuals are being tasked to be more individualistic, more independent in their thinking but at the same time they are being asked to work within a framework of a team (collective). This push-and-pull tension between acting independently or collectively defines a company. To what degree employees in a company reside on the axis between individualism and collectivism, risk and security, clarity and ambiguity will determine to what degree a company will be able to continue to innovate and create.
Please feel free to forward this article to a friend or colleague.
Victor Antonio G., one of America's top business motivational speaker and author of “The LOGIC of Success”. For more info go to:
Copyright © 2004 by Victor Antonio G. All rights reserved. This article MAY be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, as long as the author’s name, website and email address are included as part of the article’s body. All inquiries, including information on electronic licensing, should be directed to Victor Antonio G.
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