21st Century Workplace

Question 1

6 challenges

Answer 1

Talent
Diversity
Globalization
Technology
Ethics
Careers

Question 2

Talent

Answer 2

• People: What they know, what they learn, what they do with it are the foundation of the organization.
• Intellectual Capital: Shared knowledge/collective brainpower of the organization.
• Knowledge Worker: Someone whose mind is a critical asset; someone who adds to collective brainpower.

Question 3

Diversity

Answer 3

• Workforce Diversity: Differences in age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation and able-bodiedness
• Becomes discrimination when minority members are treated unfairly or denied full benefits of membership

Question 4

How diversity bias can occur in the workplace:

Answer 4

• Prejudice: the display of negative, irrational attitudes toward members of a diverse population
• Glass ceiling effect: an invisible barrier limiting career advancement of women and minorities

Question 5

Globalization

Answer 5

• The worldwide interdependence of resources, markets, and competition of the new economy.
• National boundaries of the business world have virtually disappeared.
• People and countries are increasingly interconnected

Question 6

Technology

Answer 6

Continuing transformation of the modern workplace through:
- The Internet
- World Wide Web
- Computer networking
- Information technology
-Telecommuting/virtual/ teaming/mobile offices

Question 7

Ethics

Answer 7

• Moral principles that determine “good” or “bad” behaviour.
• Law requires corporations to have a board of directors to look out for the interests of shareholders.
• Corporate Governance: Board of directors actively looking at the activities of corporation to hold management socially responsible

Question 8

Careers

Answer 8

Shift from previous generation
Today’s workers:
- Will not all work full time
- Won’t work for one large employer for duration of career
- Are more likely to change jobs and employers
- Need skills that are portable and current
- Need to upgrade skills