Division of Labour and specialization(chapter 15.5)

Question 1

The division of labor in production process

Answer 1

In the past, workers were identified based on the goods or services they produced, such as boat builders or blacksmiths, who completed all the necessary tasks for each unit before moving on to the next. Guilds were formed by skilled workers in specific trades to protect their professions and provide training for new apprentices. Over time, the division of labor emerged, where production processes were broken down into sequential tasks performed by different employees, leading to increased specialization and efficiency.

Question 2

Advantages of division of labour

Answer 2

1. More goods and services can be produced - when workers specialize in particular tasks, repetition of the same operation increases their skill and speed, so more is produced in the same time.
2. Full use is made of employees abilities - Firms will be able to choose workers to preform those tasks they are best suited to.
3. Time is saved - Less time needed for switching between tasks
4. It allows the use of machinery - As labor is divided into different tasks, and machines are made for those tasks, machines will decrease time and effort.

Question 3

Disadvantages of division of labor

Answer 3

1. Work may become boring
2. Workers may feel alienated
3. Products may become too standardized
4. Forms are unable to use labor flexibly

Question 4

Occupational Specialization of labor

Answer 4

Today, workers specialize in a range of skills relevant to multiple occupations due to the growth of services, modern technologies, and the challenges of division of labor. Specializing in specific occupational skill sets has both advantages (higher pay for in-demand skills) and disadvantages (difficulty finding jobs when skills are no longer needed). Modern technology, like advanced machines and robots, has replaced certain jobs, resulting in job losses for workers with outdated skills in industries such as agriculture and manufacturing.

Question 5

Advantages of Occupational Specialization of labor

Answer 5

• specialization allows individuals to make the best use of their skills and abilities
• skilled employees will often are more than unskilled employees because their supply is limited, they tend to be more productive and there is a greater demand for skilled labor.

Question 6

Disadvantages of Occupational Specialization of labor

Answer 6

• high wages as there is less competition between workers for jobs
• higher levels and longer period of unemployment
• higher levels of govt. spending on unemployment benefits or welfare payments.