The meaning of work in uncertain times

Citation

Ali, A.J. (2010), "The meaning of work in uncertain times", International Journal of Commerce and Management, Vol. 20 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijcoma.2010.34820baa.001

The meaning of work in uncertain times

Article Type: Editorial From: International Journal of Commerce and Management, Volume 20, Issue 2

Over the years, the meaning of work has changed. In fact, work has taken on an added significance as societies and economic conditions have evolved. The depth of change is influenced by a variety of factors including affluence and economic setbacks. Whether in times of prosperity or decline, work has its own meaning. It is the meaning that is attached to it which makes a difference in whether or not societies are on a path of achievement and development.

Across societies, groups and individuals alike have their own perceptions of work. These perceptions convey certain messages about the direction of the society; whether it is on the road to prosperity or retreating, whether it is affluent or poor. In an era where knowledge rather than capital has become a pivotal factor in wealth and job creation, the meaning of work should top the priority list of policymakers and CEOs. At the end, it is work, and its resultant productivity and quality, which is critical for positioning companies and nations in a competitive place.

Recently, a snow storm in New York induced many Airlines to cancel their scheduled flights. As a result, passengers stranded in the airport rushed to their respective airlines to reschedule their flights. The lines were long and the waiting went on for hours. Surprisingly, some employees who manned the ticketing and customer service counter were indifferent and displayed no sense of urgency in managing the unfolding crisis or dealing with mounting dissatisfaction among the customers. In fact, many of the employees took breaks or talked with each other despite calls from customers to speed up the process. Unable to process work, employees told most customers in line to come back early the next day.

It is hard to decipher the behavior and attitudes of those at the ticketing counter. What is sure, however, is that these employees were not concerned about their customers and there were no attempts to effectively deal with the emergency. It is possible that the employees were physically and psychologically tired and that the company was not equipped to deal with the crisis. It is possible, too, that the employees had insufficient training and that the airline companies, facing rising expenses, are understaffed or forced to hire inadequately qualified employees. In any case, the outcome, was the same – dissatisfied customers and low quality service.

Faced with a severe economic crisis, corporations may resort to cost cutting, including inadequate training of employees or reducing customer services. These steps might appeal to managers who look at quick financial improvements, but, in the long run, they have a devastating impact on a company’s market competitive position. These managers in their race to make a profit may end up hurting their corporations and endangering the welfare of shareholders and employees. The competitiveness of any firm is not founded on providing less than desirable service or laying off competent employees. Rather, competitiveness of the firm is closely linked to effective utilization and deployment of talented employees. Employees who work hard, are disciplined, and have the appropriate skill and knowledge do differentiate competitive corporations from the less competitive ones.

Employees’ perception of and attitude toward work realistically conveys the meaning that is attached to work. This attachment constitutes the foundation of a firm’s and a nation’s competitiveness. For years, the USA and its based-firms have been exemplary in nurturing hard work and the spirit of competition. These have been instrumental in enabling the USA to achieve economic growth and impressive innovations in a wide range of industries and economic sectors. Huntington (2004) reflecting on America’s historical achievements concluded that Americans have not only appreciated hard work but have also had satisfaction in and identified themselves with their work. This, he claimed, is uniquely an American experience. Whether he was right or not, the fact remains that hard work and responsible conduct, along with a spirit of discovery, has led to remarkable achievements. Free spirit, youthful enthusiasm, and an optimistic outlook are necessary qualities which have, for years, differentiated the American workforce from that of many other nations.

Ortiz (2010) argues that in terms of institutional structure, financial stability, and even national spirit, the US little resembles the nation it was a generation ago and has become more like the countries it has long condemned. How realistic Ortiz’s claim is a matter of debate. Nevertheless, his warning should be viewed in the context of the current economic situation at home and abroad and the fact that attitude toward work and views of entitlement and obligation toward one’s organization or country has changed over time.

Motives for working differ greatly among nations and to a degree within a nation. Work may be thought of as a mechanism to make money and satisfy other economic needs. Increasingly, and across the globe, work is viewed as an instrument for satisfying social needs, enhancing a sense of independence, worthiness, and pride; it is a source for self-actualization, accomplishment, and influence. These motives are shaped by various factors including educational achievement, beliefs, upbringing, and societal levels of development.

In a world that is in a state of economic and political turbulence, a culture that appreciates and rewards productive work should be a priority. As centrality of work in people’s lives is increasingly recognized as a powerful instrument for progress, nations attempt to create conditions that nurture an understanding of work that goes beyond economic necessity. These nations understand the role of work in overall development and do not want to leave their economic progress and the well-being of their citizens to chance.

Certainly, there must be a balance between obligation and entitlement, work and leisure, and organizational duty and family responsibility. While this balance is essential for the quality of life, the meaning of work remains a pivotal factor in improving national welfare and predicting the future of any nation. This very reason necessitates that efforts must be made to enhance the meaning of work.

Abbas J. Ali