American Workforce Free Essays

A significant part of the research work revolves around the literature search. This is responsible for providing the impetus of research on a specific topic. Considering the topic,† Changing American Workforce†, a lot of research work has taken place in subsequent years. We will write a custom essay sample on American Workforce or any similar topic only for you Order Now These researches aim at analyzing the situation from different perspectives. Along with reports on the factors affecting the workplace environment, studies are also conducted on the different trends prevalent at specific points in time. The trends are observed based on market strategy and the decisions taken decades ago. For my project I have picked out certain researches and studies, which have aimed at the events which shaped today’s workforce environment. From topics ranging from job environment to educational concerns I have tried to accommodate both the extremes. Below is an overview of the plethora of researches carried on the topic. In 2005 a study was conducted by James T Bond and his team . The research was funded by Alfred Solan Foundation. The research was part of the NSE projects which conducts researches on the study of practices, policies and programs of the different employers and compares the results with that obtained during different time periods. As a whole these projects subsequently guide the teams in formulating policies for the work environment. .Researches conducted by the group focuses on the work environment in the US and the effects of the policies upon the worker community. The research was conducted upon 1,092 employers with 50 or more employees and it was observed for three main parameters viz, Prevalence, differences between small and large employers, the difference in trends from a time period of 1998 to 2005 was also studied. The conclusion came out to be that in the last seven years time period the job market has changed considerably. Providing work life assistance may have been increased but it was observed that workers being provided all the amenities and cared for by their employers. The reason which came out in the study was that in the present day scenario it is imperative to provide incentives such as these in order to attract potential employees and a good work environment would ensure the persistence of work. (Bond, 2005) Another research carried out in 2004 by Denis which has reviewed the changing trend of hiring specific subgroups of population. The report concludes that there is a shortage of skilled workers and as such the employers are bound to recruit more and more professionals among the work force. Thus there will be a dramatic decrease in the proportion of older skilled workers as time goes by and this decrease in the presence of the old skilled professional workers will impact upon the workforce in the years to come. In this case it is really important to promote technical education . Learning should be initiated from the grass root level. Schools should not only impart academic education but should adopt the teaching of technical aspects as well. Crafts should be taught and basic craftsmanship should be made part of the curriculum. It is only by investing hugely in his infrastructure related to technical subjects that a qualified workforce may be produced for the years to come. The generation that is passing through this process should engage in imparting training to the next generation, otherwise there would be an immense shortage of well trained staff for technical jobs. In a report Donald Clark has talked about the implications of changing demographics in the American workforce during the 90s, Clark has devised that in order for American economy to develop it is necessary to make collaborative actions in the form of action agenda. This included improving the curriculum, induction of special people into the main stream and the introduction of the protocol procedures for the physically handicapped, creation of more effective transition programs and emphasis on basic academic competence. The physically disabled are usually forgotten when it comes to the point of development of economy. At the present moment the true potential of special people is not being utilized. They are not considered part of the working class at the moment. This attitude needs to be changed and an air of confidence should be built around these very special citizens. With some mild adjustments, job situation or environment can be altered a bit for the physically or mentally handicapped people. . This would in the long run make the physically challenged people to develop into responsible citizens and would help them in standing on their own feet. In this way there would be no added burden of supporting these people and instead they would start contributing towards the financial situation. This situation would affect the entire social and financial setup . No longer would these people be considered an added burden by their families and this would live them the will to strive, the will to reach the heights of whatever field they enter into. This would empower the special people and would contribute in the development of American economy (Dower spike, 2004). In the book â€Å"Reshaping the American Workforce† the authors Harry J. Holzer and Demetra Nightingale Smith has expressed their concern that the job market for the workers is rapidly changing. Employers are finding it hard to retain skilled workers while the unskilled workers are finding it hard to maintain their place in the setup. This is due to the widening gulf that is developing between the two communities. This is all due to the need for a skilled workforce in today’s technological corporate world. There is a growth in the inequality in the job market. There is a growing concern over education and training. As was observed in the previous research cited before, this gap in the skilled and unskilled worker in the years to come may decide the process of recruiting suitable candidates for the jobs. Today the world is changing shape very rapidly and managing this change is of crucial value. The future belongs to the one who is technically sounder. This skill might make all the difference. The need for policies to be formulated need to be assessed so much so that the required skilled personnel are produced to keep the economy flourishing in the fast paced technological job market of today (Holzer, 2005). Bradley Jorgensen who is a consultant at Human Resources Management Consulting did a study on workforce policy architecture adapted to modern conditions. The purpose was to formulate the adoption of strategic objectives around which to build a workforce policy architecture for the times to come. This paper caters well to the development of a workforce strategy equipped for the ever changing world. It would assist in the evaluation of trends in workforce management. He has presented the idea of unification of worker under the guidance of a capable team leader (Jorgensen, 2004). A paper prepared by Chapman investigates the response of a workforce policy to the social and demographic trends. There is a growing need for transparency in the filed of global services. By transparency it is meant that the policies, terms and conditions are explained along with a strategically placed thinking process with an aim of solving the problems at the very grass root level. A quality model of workforce is being adopted to enable the employer to formulate strategy for the efficient workforce environment. The former system of management referred to as a command based system should be replaced by a quality workplace model . This necessitates the integration of command and staff structure in to the same realms. The worker and his employer should work together as a close knit team. It is no longer acceptable for an employer to stay aloof of the requirements of his workforce. With a large number of employment opportunities available, skilled workers are a very valuable asset and keeping them in an organization requires much attention to be paid on their needs and requirements. The principles highlighted are based upon his view that the projects should be organizationally focused with an emphasis on tailed learning. The manager is also responsible for training his team and to get the best out of his men. The total outcome of a service industry depends upon the skills of their leader and the teamwork they undertake (Chapman, 2003). Another research carried out at the Boston College in 2007 has concluded that almost one fourth of all US entrepreneurs have failed to plan for the effects of the aging American workforce. In spite of the fact that the US is facing a shortage of workers and within a few years time a large number of skilled workers , belonging to the baby boom era will be retired, no plans are being formulated by the companies to make up for the lost workforce. The study further goes on to state that the companies who are not appropriately planning for the loss of the work force are going to experience severe staff shortages especially in the present scenario where there is s relatively small pool of new workers and there would be cut throat competition between companies to hire the most suitable of all workers. The whole study was based upon interviews of 578 organizations across the United States. It was monitored that 37% percent of the workers had accepted strategies to reassure late-night career employers to remain past the traditional departure age, even with the fact that late-night career workers got high level of skills and powerful qualified and consumer networks, a powerful work principle, low income and are devoted and trustworthy. 60% percent of the workers recommended that hiring capable job candidate is actually a very big test. 40% percent admitted to the need of management skills in their companies, Even though only 33% percent informed that their companies made predictions about retirement rats of their employers to a moderate to a huge amount. The research recommended that employers and organizations which have not formulated their policies regarding recruiting new workers should consider the facts about the scarcity of professionals and plan accordingly. (Harminka, 2007) William H. Graves a senior president for Academic strategy at Sun Guard Higher education is of the view that all races should be regarded as equal and equal educational opportunities should be available to all in order to provide for a balanced workforce for the US market. Education should concentrate more on the practical aspects rather then focusing on the theoretical part. Education should focus on the job market, the needs of the job market need to be kept into consideration while allowing admissions into specific programs. Higher education must be made affordable and should provide a basis for innovation, economic development and overall global economy. He argues that the public revenues allocated to higher education are following an altogether different approach. Private sector is investing more in the education and as a result higher education may become expensive and would lead to cutting down in the promotion of skilled and educated professionals for the American workforce. Public revenues allocated to higher education are on a different trajectory, however reforms need to be put into place . Education should be made inexpensive and available to all. It’s high time that the legislators learn the role of technology in today’s corporate world. Making changes and formulations in the educational policy will directly affect the workforce An educated and technologically sound team of professionals is the requirement of the hour for America. For American economy to prosper it is imperative that the changes be directed internally and voluntarily keeping in view the role of technology which should be embraced as well? â€Å"This is the time for a voluntary counter reformation to take place within the higher education†. He further adds that certain organizations have felt the pulse of the situation and more should follow (Graves, 2004). An article which was published in the Career Development international journal in 2005, Ann Feyerhrm has studied the gender related gaps in today’s workforce and has observed the transition of women from a back place employee to attaining full fledged status of a fellow worker in today’s work force. Today’s women is fast paced and well oriented. She has a clear concept of a working professional career and is well versed with her status in the society. The study has specifically observed the relationship of Generation X women i. e. the women born between the 1965-80 who are now contributing towards the major female workforce within the high technology industry and their relationship with their bosses, peers, subordinates and the job environment. It was found that the Generation X women rated personal fulfillment with their professional success. They wanted their companies to support them in terms of guidance and should recognize their efforts. There was also a concern for the women to expect a kind of flexibility from their employers so that they could carry on their dual role more efficiently. This role calls for the employees to have a stock of the situation which makes it mandatory for females to have better work environment. The research was only based upon the technological sector, for it to be a broad based one all sectors of the corporate world needed to be included. The need for the women to have flexibility may have implications on the training, developmental and promotional aspects of the job environment. It was further impressed that if the companies can provide an environment to support attainment of professional success and personal fulfillment it may provide a link to longer term employment, reduced employee turnover and improve the overall performance of the corporate sector . This is due to the fact that with the evolving society women need to fulfill their domestic responsibilities as well (Feyerherm, 2005). Immigrant population has been contributing from, a sign cant time towards the American economy and is actively involved in the jobs around the US. Steven viewed that immigration policies can have a profound impact on a nation’s economy. A large number of immigrant populations can have a significant impact on the cultural, political and economic situation in the United States. The excellent development opportunities in the developed world in the last decades or so have resulted in the immigration of a large population of immigrants into the developed world . In the US almost 25 million people have immigrated since the last few decades. The illegal immigrants amount to around 400, 000 -500,000 and continues to grow with every passing year. This influx of immigrants has always been a cause of concern for the policy makers. The effect of the immigrant population on the American economy is the focal point of all the discussion on the immigration policies. The impact is huge in terms of the American workers who are less skilled. These immigrant workers tend to do the work at lower wages and so the average American is affected and faces a stiff competition as regards to the job market. The concept of globalization has breathed a new air into the business industry. It has affected almost all the nooks and corners of the business world and stocks are no exception. With greater prospects in the developing world, financers are turning their head towards the developed world for a fair deal. This has a marked effect on the economies of countries as a whole. It’s not just about a single entrepreneur using his money and directing it to a foreign land but a host of companies are setting up business around the globe (Camarota, 2005). In her book The Elephant and The Dragon, Robyn Meridith examines the giant shift that has been brought out by the rise of China and India. Jean Pierre Lehman, professor of international political economy at IMD, Lausanne, Switzerland on the issue of globalization has said, â€Å"My concern is that the US is too over dependent on China, not just for goods but also for finance. † (Robyn Meidith, 2007) These immigrant workers tend to do the work at lower wages and so the average American is affected and faces a stiff competition as regards to the job market. A lot of companies in the U. S are being bought over by the Asians and a lot of workforce from over seas is being employed through the internet. Call centers in U. S are an attractive business for foreign investors. A lot of American companies have their call centers set up in India, Pakistan or China. The reason is the low salary that is sought by the people working for these call centers. For costumers it doesn’t really matter if their tax preparer, loan processor or telephone operator works and operates from Delhi . This might result in a loss of jobs in the developed countries. This might affect jobs which are more of a flexible nature. As described the private entrepreneurs in the developed world are making a lot of money from their projects abroad. This is also due to the fact that these companies get the job done at half the price of that being asked by their competitors in the West. This has created a break neck competition in the corporate world, where there is a constant struggle going on between the developed and developing nations. Another reason behind his may be the rate of turnover that has been showed by investors in the developing countries, who are orienting themselves in a faster way then their competitors in the West. Analysts are arguing that those jobs should be sought which cannot be carried out over the wire otherwise the stakes are high. The problem also lies in the fact that the average citizen of the developed nations does not save enough and is more bent towards short term projects; they do not save enough capital to involve in larger entrepreneurial setups later, which the developing world’s entrepreneurs always do and believe in. The answer lies in saving and making a plan and proceeding from small setup to large enterprises. (Jimmy, 2007) The particularly large immigrant population is competing with the US citizens not even in job placements but in the policies of retirement benefits as well. Retirement benefits are having a huge effect on the economies of many countries. For example France is experiencing the worst problem of this sort. With more and more people getting older, due to the advancements in medicine, the number of people actually involved in jobs or taking part in the economy building process is small in comparison to the retired population. This brings us to the question of the criteria for retirement benefits for the immigrant population as well which is a cause for concern, for US legislators. Trade unions have always affected the way we do business. The corporate world has long been at the realms of the trade unions in the management of entrepreneur projects. In a study by Peter and coworkers who have studied the current situation of trade unions with respect to market economy, the organization in relation to management and the challenges faced by the unions in today’s world have been discussed at length. The concept of a trade union gives stability to the common worker and ensures that the labor laws are formulated in accordance with the needs f the workers In the present day scenario the concept of trade unions has taken a different meaning altogether . They are no longer taken as back bench stake holders, but vital elements in the effective management of any organization. Trade unions are constantly revitalizing themselves and orienting themselves with the current situation. This is bound to have a positive role on the development of overall economy . The current circumstances of trade unions are subject to extensive debate. Carol Twigg has observed that there is a growing trend among workers to change their job employment. The workers are no longer weary of trying outing better job prospects and do not consider losing a present position as a risky policy. They view their growth as inclining if they keep on shifting their jobs and opt for better job environment. The constant surge of the look out for new jobs has been due to less importance bang given to the extra benefits that may be preferred. Keeping a person on mere salary is no longer acceptable and workers demand to have a better job environment with the chances of having a more facilitated lifestyle. The workers view that if they keep on changing jobs, this may provide them with more chances to succeed rather than stagnating at a single place and waiting for their turn to be promoted to the next level. A large number of workers agree that an employer is more attractive when it helps them meet family obligations through options like flexible timing, job sharing or telecommuting (Twigg, 1994). Changes in the family pattern, affect the economy as much as any other shift, in her article Arvone has commented on the concept of family life and the way that it is affecting the US economic market. The new realities of family life have affected the economics sphere as much as it has affected any other aspect of the business industry. Public policies have had a huge impact. In today’s corporate world the time and energy required for child bearing and rearing plus the importance of intimate relationships have grown concerns about the changing work environments. Workers now need more flexibility then ever to juggle between professional commitments and the commitment to their families. Child rearing is no longer the job due only for the mother. In present day scenario, both partners have to contribute in all the spheres for a family life to be successful. Employers should formulate better working policies and as such this might result in attracting a large number of potential workers and add them up in the job environment. This is to be a cause of concern and pivotal point for formulating new strategies in the economic world (Fraser, 1989). Studying the changes and especially the change that will take place in the labor industry by 2014, researchers argue that the number of potential job seekers would increase. In the middle of 1994-2004 the labor force grew by 14. 4 million, so it is projected that the workers may increase in the same manner and by 20014 the supply of workers is expected to reach 162. 3 million. The change will be in the diversification of the workforce, it will be more racially split and more women would be taking up jobs so the gender gap would narrow down as well. Along with that an older population may also contribute towards the workforce. The constant shift in the workers creates a vacancy in the job market. Jobs predicted to decline may show an increase in the vacancies. There would be shift in job placement from employment growth to replacement needs due to the changing attitude of the job world and more reliance on technology. Workforce by 2014, would be required to be more educated and diversified . It is expected that the requirement of bachelor holder’s would increase and probably so the lower skilled group as well. In the middle of 2004 and 20014, 35. 7 percent of the new positions that appear are likely to have a requirement of a professional college degree or even higher, 27. 7% percent are predictable to have a requirement a High School Diploma or less. On the other hand since the jobs requirement of less education or degree will have a much higher revenue rate than those which require a higher education degree, many more jobs positions are going to be available in that area (24. 5 Million) than in the area where a high level of professional degree is required that is (16 Million). In the time 2004 to 2014 the economy will keep on providing jobs for candidates in all the groups. â€Å"The trend for workers to work has expanded to new horizons, in yester years it was the salary that matters the most, but today the workers may list other reasons for working. Working to gain experience , learning new skills and benefits such as health insurance , flexible working schedules , retirement provisions have cropped up as the ways that necessitate the present day worker to join the job market† . This has been expressed by Fred Wish in one of his articles reviewing the concept of fringe benefits. The concept of fringe benefits dates back to the World War 2 when in the face of federal wage controls to curb inflation, employees began to offer benefits to attract potential employees. After some time this concept of fringe benefits became an expected and valuable part of a complete employment plan. The new workforce is on the look out for these benefits besides the normal salary that is being offered. This is explained further in this study. Fringe benefits are like the bonuses that employees used to get in the yester years. These small tokens or bonuses, act as supplements for the worker and his family. These small tokens may make all the difference between acceptable and unacceptable work environment. The hike in the medical expenditures has made these incentives really attractive for the employee. The project of life insurance has enabled workers to work with a peace of mind. They know that their families may be able to make their ends meet and can live an independent lives in case of any accident as such. This provides the element of security to a job environment and acts as a morale boosting measure. These programs can a have repercussions. Almost a third of average worker’s total compensation is dependent upon these benefits. If these programs are not planned properly then they might lead to disastrous consequences. The result may have a down trough in the economic graph. This situation should be taken as an eye opener for the people involved in policy making and appropriate steps should be formulated to combat this problem. Old age benefit schemes shouldn’t be abandoned altogether but more emphasis should be paid on appropriate investment opportunities to enable the Government to generate enough funds for the average citizen. The large unemployment rates especially in 2004, when the unemployment rate was 6. 4 % and the health costs, which have risen in the passing years. In 2004 the national health expenditure rose to 7. 9 % which is almost three times the rate of inflation. These warrant changes, which have been negotiated, based upon a concern for the growing inflation and the risks involved. This economic condition has forced employers to institute changes as increasing medical premiums and eliminating no essential benefits. At the end of the day, all employers may face the challenge of juggling economic viability with policies aimed at the betterment of the lives of their workers (Fred, 2003). The changing trends of education in the American workforce have necessitated changes. Today more and more women are joining the workforce. May of the married women is in the work force now, which is contrary to the practice in yester years. As there is a growing demand of more educated workforce, more and more women who had abandoned their educations before, are coming back to high schools. This has placed an immense burden on he infrastructure. Women in the workforce have also reached record numbers some years ago these students were referred to as the new majority in post secondary education. This influx first appeared at a time when America was absorbing the results of a post war baby boom. The American force at the moment is pretty much educated. The average American worker receives almost 12 years of education on an average which is greater than that had decades ago when the average education was 10 years. This increase in the higher education standards have resulted from the requirement of technologically more educated and sound workforce. Job and career are the major reasons for this increase in the educational objectives. These figures are only an indication of the huge change that is occurring in the society. The gap between the American higher education and high school is narrowing. The requirement is to formulate policies to boost up this trend and planning must be initiated to respond to the challenges of new technologies, information to enable a resurgence of American economy. These goals inspired and modified American education. About 54% percent of all the adult education courses are in two and four year foundations and in trade and vocational institutes. All the else courses are offered by industry and business, community agencies, labor groups, government and in other non-institute settings. (NAV. 1984) The concept of work ethics is playing a huge role in shaping the American workplace environment. Work ethics has brought the subject of ethics into the phase of consolidation with in the changing work environment. In the book by Herbert, â€Å"American workforce ethics†: the author has expressed his views that the ethical values need to be studied right from their ancient roots to the present day scenario. The project has changed from era to era varying with the time, environment, conditions, gender and occupations. The book on a whole provides the changes which took place from one era to era. Taking the story from the time periods where humans were emaciated as slaves, to the times of Abraham Lincoln and the present day corporate world, the author has taken his time to briefly explain the reasons causing the rift and changes in the continual diversification of the American workplace environment. Taking the expressed in the book we may say that the liberation of slaves and the process of inducting the African Americans into main stream politics and to regard women as capable of leading states and honoring them with the tight respect that they deserve is taking the new world into the right direction . With economic viability nations can prosper under the impression that no man is above law and the universal law of brotherhood, peace and harmony is applicable to all irrespective of caste, creed, religion, color or race. Expressing a thought by Adam Clayton who has said that unless man is committed to the belief that all mankind are his brothers, and then he labors in vain and hypocritically in the vineyards of equality, this very thinking reflects the manner which should be adopted as a constitutional reform. It might have been regarded as futuristic to think that the coming generations will mingle among all the inhabitants of the world to foster a more fraternal and smooth relationship throughout the world community, but this is not just a far fetched dream but a reality that is very much knocking on the doorsteps and there is only a need for the developed world to answer the calls of the underdeveloped nations help in their rebuilding processes and make them able to come out of their long loom. This might help create a world which is free from discrimination and where ideals can prosper according to the healthy principles of self containment. One hopes that this revolution which has sparked and ignited a flame through the certain parts of the world may sweep across the world and rid us of the menaces of ignorance, racism, subjugation and create a society where everybody is regarded as one and members of the planet that we call home, as Robert Ingeresoll has been very aptly quoted as saying, â€Å"The true civilization is where every man gives to every other right that he claims for himself. † Thus ethics has been considered as a pivotal role in the driving of workforce environment. Changing times demand a changing ethics and values. These values should be based on a commitment to excel and provide s stabilized work environment the current thinking should be taken into consideration while formulating any work ethic policy. Companies and organizations should adopt and follow a code of conduct developed and devised by a central regulatory committee discerning the laws of the workplace (Herbert, 1998) Gary G Matuason in examining the changing trends at the strategic initiatives has said that there are four strategic initiatives involving the workforce. The emergence of corporate diversity is an organizational necessity. There is a dearth of skilled worker which mandates for the production of a skilled and educated work force, the issue of globalization and the increasing need for legal compliance and ethical standards which need to be applied at the very heart of a work place environment (Litler, 2004). Taking a cursory look over all of these researches presented, a few points come up and should form the basis of the dilemma that is affecting the present day work environment. : Workforce trends are a constantly changing phenomenon which is based upon world environment, workplace practices and employee reactions. The relationship between an employee and the employer has drastically changed over the years; the employer is dependent more than ever on his employee to maintain his status in the business world. Skilled employee is an asset to his workforce. Employers are constantly on the look out to formulate better policies to enable them to recruit workers on a long term basis. The concept of a stable workplace for the employee is no longer restricted to the mere handing down of a fixed salary but rather involves other benefits in the form of flexibility, health insurance and annual leaves for the worker. Today’s worker is more family oriented. With the hordes of women joining the workforce companies are compelled more than ever to offer flexible options to enable the female workforce to give a positive response. Education has been singled out as one of the most crucial points when it comes to the development of any industry. An educated worker is what the present and the future industry requires. The growing trend of our reliance on technology has made it necessary for the average worker to be well acquainted or at least be familiar with the modern technology. There is a growing concern that there might be a shortage of skilled workers in the years to come and the large immigrant population has created problems for the common unskilled worker. The immigrant population accepts lower salaries and is competing with US citizens for unskilled positions. Globalization has undermined the efforts of the skilled worker. The concept of a global village has resulted in the hiring of professionals from abroad, which operate from their native countries and get the job done through the internet. This might create problems for the unemployed US work force. These and several other factors need to be dealt with in order to clearly understand the results and repercussions of the decisions taken in the past and to formulate a successful policy for the future. It is only through the way of understanding the problems that we can come to an acceptable solution. References Ann Feyerherm, Yvonne H. Vick, Generation X women in high technology: Overcoming gender and generational challenges to succeed in the corporate environment, Journal Career Development International, 2005 Pages: 216 – 227, Emerald Group Publishing Limited Arvonne S. Fraser, The Changing American Family, 1989 http://www. context. org/ICLIB/IC21/Fraser. htm Accessed August 12, 2007 Bradley Jorgensen, Attract, retains and innovates: workforce policy architecture adapted to modern conditions, 2004 http://xtra. emeraldinsight. com/Insight/viewContentItem. do? contentType=ArticlehdAction=lnkhtmlcontented Accessed August 12, 2007 Chapman, Changing dimensions, 2004 http://eaq. sagepub. com/cgi/content/refs/36/2/283 Accessed August 12, 2007 Carol A. Twigg, the Changing Definition of Learning, 1994 www. eric. ed. gov/ERICWebPortal/recordDetail? accno=EJ486828 Accessed August 12, 2007 Carol Twigg, Changing Landscape of the American Workforce, 2003 www. educause. edu/ir/library/pdf/nli0405. pdf Accessed August 12, 2007 Continuing education and the American workforce – report of the National Advisory Council on Continuing Education American Education, April, 1984 http://eric. ed. gov/ERICWebPortal/recordDetail? accno=EJ303819 Accessed August 12, 2007 Dennis Doverspike, Mary Anne Taylor, Kenneth S. Shultz, Patrick F. McKay; Responding to the Challenge of a Changing Workforce: Recruiting Nontraditional Demographic Groups, 2004 http://unpan1. un. org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/UN/UNPAN021816. pdf Accessed August 12, 2007 Fred Wish, Trends in Employee Benefits –Beyond the fringe, benefits plans for today’s workforce, 2003 http://careers. stateuniversity. com/pages/850/Trends-in-Employee-Benefits. html Accessed August 12, 2007 Herbert Applebaum, The American Work Ethic and the Changing Work Force An Historical Perspective, 1998, Greenwood Press Harry J. Holzer and Demetra Nightingale Smith, Reshaping the American Workforce in a Changing Economy, 2005, Urban Institute Press. 2005 Harminka, US business companies not responding to changing demographics, 2007, http://findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_m1365/is_n12_v23/ai_13220969 Accessed August 12, 2007 James T Bond, The National Study of Employers, 2005, http://familiesandwork. org/site/research/reports/2005nse. pdf Accessed August 12, 2007 Jermy Siegel, Green back mountain, pg 2007, Time magazine issue July 30, The Oxford Guide to the United States Government, Oxford University Press, 2002 (pg. 490-550) Litler, Strategic Initiatives for the Changing Workforce April 2004, http://www. provost. uiuc. edu/resources/sao/SAO-Wheeler-2006. ppt Accessed August 12, 2007 Robyn Meidith, pg 150, 2007), The Elephant and The Dragon, pg 150, 2007, W. W. Norton publishers, 1st Edition, 2007 Steven A. Camarota, the Impact of Immigration on the American Workforce, 2005 http://www. cis. org/articles/2005/sactestimony111605. html Accessed August 12, 2007 The American Workforce: 2004–14 – Projected changes in labor force participation http://careers. stateuniversity. com/pages/838/American-Workforce-2004-14. html Accessed August 12, 2007 William H. Graves, voluntary Counter-Reformation: Stepping Up to the Challenge, 2005 http://www. educause. edu/ir/library/pdf/ERM0741. pdf Accessed August 12, 2007 How to cite American Workforce, Papers American workforce Free Essays The American workforce is becoming diversified than ever.   The issue on workplace discrimination has been around since time immemorial. Discrimination is part of the process of three components, the cognitive, affective and behavioral. We will write a custom essay sample on American workforce or any similar topic only for you Order Now The behavioral component means the tendency to take negative actions against a particular group. The behavior stems form attitudes and feelings which constitute prejudice. Although prejudice is generally negative it is not as damaging as discrimination. The behavior component makes it possible to make the thoughts become real. Research has found that discrimination in any form is detrimental to the well being of the discriminated individual (Mathis Jackson, 2004). The workplace is the place in which the employee comes to work on his tasks and to carry out his profession. If the workplace is non-discriminatory, the employee is more likely to work effectively and efficiently and to increase productivity and performance as well. The most common methods employed by organizations to ensure that their work environment is non-discriminatory are to conduct sensitivity trainings, to provide provisions for grievances and complaints of discriminatory behavior and to follow non-discriminatory guidelines in terms of hiring, selection and promotions. Sensitivity trainings are common in most organizations especially if the company is culturally diverse as well as sexual orientation, disability and religion. The advantages of using sensitivity trainings to make employees become aware of the prejudices and discrimination they may have for other people and teaches the employees how to change their thoughts about minority groups in an experiential manner. It also communicates to each employee that an individual is a person in his/her own right and should be respected as such, and not be accorded respect based on one’s race, religion or sex. The disadvantage in using this method is that if  employees do not have a positive attitude towards the training then this would surely limit their capacity to learn from the sessions. Moreover, sensitivity trainings are periodically given and is not reinforced thus limiting its effectiveness. The provisions for grievances and complaints communicate to the employees that discrimination will not be tolerated by the management. It is effective as a control mechanism to lessen discrimination in the workplace and make the employees become cautious of their behavior. This method does not really ensure that the workplace would be discrimination free since it does not teach the employees why discrimination is wrong. It only holds people accountable for their actions, although it gives the employees who belong to the minority group comfort. Besides, discrimination may come in subtle forms and not even many employees who are victims of discrimination will file a complaint for fear of repercussions in terms of inter-office politics. Hiring, selection and promotion of employees based on merit and performance is a non-discriminatory principle to ensure that people become part of the organization based on criteria that can be achieved by most people. The difficulty with this measure is that although it is an objective measure, subjectivity is still present. It is common knowledge that when it comes to promotions and even selecting candidates for the job a certain amount of subjectivity that cannot be monitored by a guideline. It also does not consider that mangers may have their own prejudices which may dictate their decisions on hiring and promotion. References Bohlander, G. Snell, S. (2003). Managing Human Resources 13th ed., South-Western College Publication Fitzenz, J. (2001). How to Measure Human Resource Management 3rd. ed , New York; McGraw-Hill Mathis, R. Jackson, J. (2004). Human Resource Management 11th ed., South-Western College Publication    How to cite American workforce, Essay examples