Research,the application of ideas from the literature, problem solving and critical analysis (REPORT)

1. Does the fact that workers are more productive, for less reward, counter the purpose of technology to improve productivity? Who benefits from technology in workplaces and the effects such as intensification, is it the employees, mangers, shareholder, or CEO?

2. Has technology changed our desires? Are we to be forever trapped in an ongoing cycle of wanting things because we are told they will make us happy, and then told the same thing about other things once we have obtained those things?

How will companies assist their businesses and employees to be up to date with new technologies introduced?

Is society too dependent on technology to perform tasks that previously didn’t require such advanced technology? Will we be able to successfully perform tasks without technology after having access to it for such a great period of time.

3. Will technology enhance work intensification in particular industries?

How can we limit the impact technology is having on the workforce and ensure that humans do not become obsolete? Will the continuous advancements of technology affect unemployment in the future?

Do you think robots will take over human jobs in the future? if so will there be unemployment for humans or will more jobs be created because of advancing technology? How will technology impact on work life balance in the future?

Do you think that technology is evolving at a pace that the business world can’t keep up with? Do you think we will develop a medium that balances the need for technology use within industry, to accommodate for the diminishing unskilled labour market?

Will all workers have to adapt to survive in the future, developing skills to make themselves more employable?

Will education be able to keep pace with structural unemployment and future changes in the way people work?

Gender diversity - Work life balance

1. Do you think that the differences in gender inequality will eventually cease to exist?

What will it take to establish a work environment where gender and diversity is a non-issue?

What factors influence gender discrimination in an organisation?

What the biggest factor influencing gender inequality within the workplace?

2. Women continue to be paid less than their male counterparts. Why does this pay gap exist? Do you think the pay gap will decrease in the future and what factors do you think will influence this? We predict that there will be more women in the workforce in future. How do you think this trend will impact men’s role in society?

3. Does ‘flexible working hours’ improve work-life balance or simply increase work intensification? Will work life balance ever be possible? Are there any realistic ways maintain a healthy work-life balance?

Globalisation

1. Is globalisation inevitable? Can globalization have a positive influence on work life balance and work conditions?

In what aspect does globalisation benefit the moderate or wealthy countries? What role does the World Trade Organisation play in globalisation?

2. Will technology driven through globalization spell the extinction of small businesses?

3. Is the workplace becoming more or less formalised? Is the future of work for third world countries going to be formal?

Management innovation- use of labour – work standards

1. Who is ultimately responsible for creating standards that protect employees in modern working environments; Governments or Corporations? What are some recommendations that society could apply today that will help our work environments in the future become more harmonious with human lives?

2. Will workplace flexibility be a continuing practice over the coming years and if so, to whose benefit? High performance work systems are an example of engaging the employee and benefiting the organisation. How beneficial are they to employees in terms of work life balance?

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