Chapter 6, Work, part 1

Name Brittany Murphy                                                                                              Class time: 11am

Author: Baase

Date of Publication: 2013

Book: A gift of Fire

Sections read: 6.1-6.3

1.       (Questioning) After reading this chapter/article what relevant questions do I have?

Should you manipulate your social media presence?

2.       (Knowledge)Tell three interesting elements of this chapter:

a.  In 2000 there was the lowest level of unemployment that America has seen (4%) despite technological change        

b.  Some companies are ridding their practices of off shoring as the negatives have outweighed the positives.       

c.  In retail, theft by employees exceeds that of shoplifting.        

3.       (Comprehension) Summarize what is being discussed within this chapter?

Due to the integration of technology into society, there have been many changes in the work environment as a result. For example, modern society has seen a movement of jobs that were traditionally done in a companies residing country are being moved to across seas in search of cheaper labor. One of the most common jobs moved overseas that effects peoples day to day lives is that of call centers. Almost everyone in America has experienced calling for information on a product or service they have purchased and ended up speaking to a person in India with a heavy accent. There are positive and negatives to this, as Americans are able to receive products at a more affordable price, yet they may have to sacrifice quality of service. Also, with the advent of technology there has been changes in the workplace. For example, employers are better able to track your work and what you are doing on company time and what you are using company technology for.

4.       (Connections) How does one element in this article specifically relate to Postman (or at times I will ask you to compare to a different article read in class- edit as appropriate)?

Postman was quoted saying that there are positive and negatives to every technological change. Due to technological advancements society has been able to streamline and automate work processes in order to provide cheaper goods and free up labor for more advanced positions. Negatively, technology has dismissed many jobs and moved others out of the original country, causing concern with unemployment.

5.       (Application) Name a specific example or NEW solution for this type of problem/similar situation in society or that you have experienced – be specific and explain?

One solution to jobs moving overseas is to make sure that our education system accounts for that. It is important to prepare children for the future that is coming, rather than attempting to hide them from it.

6.       (Analysis) Compare one of the situations in this chapter/reading to something that does not relate to computers, technology, or the Internet? Be sure to reference the chapter and your solution. What ideas NEW can you add to the issue that is being presented within the reading?

7.       (Synthesis) Address all that apply. Do you agree with what is being said within the article (Why/Why not? Back up with FACTS, reference)?

Baase spoke about finding a common ground between employees and employers, in which social media is used with consent of both parties. This is a great start as to believe that everyone acts the same in their personal life as they do in a work environment.  Yet acccording to this study 1 in 10 are rejected because of their social media platforms. Yet, until a common ground is reached it is important to keep social media behaviors in line as 1 in 9 employers use social media checks in the hiring process.

8.       (Evaluation) Address all that apply. Judge whether or not this topic is relevant in today’s society? Are there any ethical considerations (see Chap1-1.4 for exp of Ethics)?  What new ideas will you make after reading this chapter/article?

With technology advancing at a more rapid pace than ever before this topic is more relevant in modern society than ever before. See video below to not the rapid pace of change:



There is a also valid ethical concern over many things discussed in this chapter. For one, there is the concern of off shoring jobs and unemployment in the home country. Is ethical to take job from the home country? Well, according to Baase off shoring has not been shown to correlate with unemployment rates, therefore one can argue it's not unethical. 

9.       (Conclusion) After completing this assignment, based on new thoughts and evidence

a.        What new conclusions have you come to about this topic ?

It is crucial to monitor your social media usage and also to be sure you are educated to succeed in the modern economy.

10.   Below restate your questions from #1 and include the  answer based on your new conclusions.

Should you manipulate your social media presence?

Yes. It is important to continue to evolve with technology as hiding from the realities of it will not change anything. 

References:
Below, include any additional web reference that you include on your blog, including any websites or video.