THE DISRUPTION OF EMPLOYMENT

 

FLOURISHING IN THE FACE OF CONSTANT DISRUPTION: CULTIVATING THE T-PROFESSIONAL OR ADAPTIVE INNOVATOR THROUGH WIL

在面对不断的颠覆时如何蓬勃发展：通过工作综合能力培养T型专业人才或适应性创新者

 Phil Gardner 

ABSTRACT This chapter considers the disruption in employment and job growth due to the pervasive adoption of cognitive technologies that substitute for or augment humans. The educational system, which operates on regulated and prescribed practices for many academic majors, will be tested by rapidly changing requirements to be gainfully employed. Disruption, due to technological advances of cognitive systems, will be a constant in graduates’ professional life. We make a case for the adaptive innovator or T-shaped professional as the individual best suited to adapting to disruptions and constant change. Emphasis is placed on the importance of internships and co-ops as the strongest learning strategy institutions can use if they adjust their program practices for longer, continuous learning periods, and higher outcome expectations. Keywords: Job disruption; chaos; T-shaped professional; adaptive innovator; learning; internships and co-ops Work-Integrated Learning in the 21st Century: Global Perspectives on the Future International Perspectives on Education and Society, Volume 32, 69
81 Copyright r 2017 by Emerald Publishing Limited All rights of reproduction in any form reserved ISSN: 1479-3679/doi:10.1108/S1479-367920170000032004 69 Bowen, T., & Drysdale, M. (Eds.). (2017). Work-integrated learning in the 21st century : Global perspectives on the future. Emerald Publishing Limited. Created from hkuhk on 2023-11-22 05:46:20. Copyright © 2017. Emerald Publishing Limited. All rights reserved. INTRODUCTION A central concern for individuals who guide young adults through their transition from orderly, highly prescribed learning experiences at universities is whether graduates will be able to succeed in the global workplace. Workplaces are becoming increasingly disruptive with jobs lost to low-cost labor locations (Fishman, 2006; French, 2005; Loomis, 2015) or cognitive technologies (Brynjolsson & McAfee, 2014; Ford, 2015; Hill, 2015; Mindell, 2015). The challenge is to create adaptive experiences and processes that enable students to further their purpose by building awareness and confidence to explore new possibilities while handling familiar tasks and assignments. Existing workforce members who lose their position through similar disruptions, need to learn from others who have more or different experiences and create learning situations that are relevant, meaningful, and effective for the learner. The tension between options to sustain existing employment and job growth and job disappearances through disruption, whether through relocation or elimination, is not unknown as Joseph Schumpeter (2008) refers to this process as creative destruction. March (1991) points out similar tensions between the exploitation of old certainties by refining processes and services, gaining efficiencies, and improving execution and exploration, which opens up new possibilities through experimentation, risk-taking, innovation, and play as organizations strive to sustain their viability. The pervasive and deep advancement of cognitive technologies throughout the workplace, augmenting, and in many cases eliminating jobs, has intensified the pressures between maintaining job growth and managing losses through technological disruption. Friedman (2016) identifies several results from this transformation: either jobs are pulled apart (high-value elements that are skilled up and low-value elements which are eliminated or handled by machines), pulled out (where cognitive software and robotics can do the entire job), or pulled down (jobs become obsolete). In order to hold jobs, individuals need more education, need to possess higher level skills, and need to be able to adapt to the changing context of work. Job disruption will be a constant event in all our lives, which will call upon us to modify existing learning strategies to adequately equip learners to deal with the uncertainty of future employment. This chapter considers the impact of technology deflation (Gada, 2016), and the wide adoption of technology to substitute for, or augment humans in the workplace. Government or social interventions enacted to maintain order by slowing down or halting these disruptions, may not be sufficient to stop the advance of cognitive technologies. After briefly exploring the disruption occurring in the workplace, the concept of the T-shaped professional or adaptive indicator is presented as representing the type of professional who can best handle disruption. Work-integrated learning, as represented by its most common forms
internships and co-ops, offers the most promising learning 70 PHIL GARDNER Bowen, T., & Drysdale, M. (Eds.). (2017). Work-integrated learning in the 21st century : Global perspectives on the future. Emerald Publishing Limited. Created from hkuhk on 2023-11-22 05:46:20. Copyright © 2017. Emerald Publishing Limited. All rights reserved. environment for emerging adaptive innovators. To leverage internships and co-ops traditional educational programs may be realigned to meet the pressures to modify the time and length of experiential experiences.

THE DISRUPTION OF EMPLOYMENT

The disruption of employment and job growth is a complex and ongoing issue that is influenced by various factors such as economic cycles, technological advancements, and global changes. Here are some key points to consider:

 

Economic Cycles: Historically, periods of economic growth have led to job creation and steady employment, while periods of contraction result in job losses [1]. However, this pattern has been changing since the 1990s, as companies undergo organizational restructuring that eliminates certain positions while creating new ones that require different skills and competencies [1].

 

Technological Advancements: The convergence of technological advancements, including cognitive software and technologies, has significantly impacted the workplace and the way people work [1]. These changes are often subtle and dispersed, but they can have profound effects on patterns of working, living, and communicating [1]. The increasing scope of cognitive system intrusion is causing major disruptions in employment [1].

 

Globalization: Globalization has played a significant role in employment disruptions. Companies have moved their operations to low-cost labor centers worldwide, leading to job losses in certain regions [1]. The collapse of boundaries imposed by political institutions, time, and distance has accelerated economic activity and reshaped the workplace [1].

 

Job Creation: While disruptions in employment can lead to job losses, they can also ignite job creation. Technological advancements, such as big data analytics, climate change and environmental management technologies, and encryption and cybersecurity, are expected to be the biggest drivers of job growth [1]. Sectors like education, agriculture, and health are also expected to see boosted job creation linked to technology [1].

 

Future Outlook: The World Economic Forum predicts that nearly 25% of jobs will be disrupted in the next five years, with some roles being eliminated and others created [1]. However, the impact of technological shifts on

Technological advancements have had a significant impact on jobs, both positive and negative. Here are some key points to consider:

 

Positive impacts of technological advancement on jobs:

 

1)Job creation: Technology has created new industries and job opportunities, such as software development, data analysis, and cyber security [1].

2)Productivity improvement: Automation and technology have increased the efficiency and productivity of workers, leading to economic growth and higher standards of living [1].

3)Remote work: The internet and cloud-based tools have made remote work possible, providing more flexibility and work-life balance [1].

Negative impacts of technological advancement on jobs:

 

1)Job displacement: Automation and artificial intelligence have the potential to replace workers in manual and low-skilled jobs, such as manufacturing and manual labor [1].

2)Skill mismatch: Technological advancements can create a gap between workers who have the skills to take advantage of new opportunities and those who do not, leading to unemployment and wage stagnation [1].

3)Income inequality: The benefits of technological progress may not be evenly distributed, with highly skilled workers and technology companies reaping the majority of the rewards, while low-skilled workers are left behind [1].

It is important to note that the impact of technology on employment is complex and depends on various factors, such as the speed of technological change, education and training policies, and the ability of workers and companies to adapt to change [1].

Technological advancements will continue to augment or complement human work. However, as the adoption of technology occurs, there are several important considerations to keep in mind in order to prepare students for the impact of technological disruption in education:

 

Job Loss and Unemployment: The adoption of technology can lead to job losses, and individuals may experience unemployment for an indeterminate period of time. The speed of new job creation plays a crucial role in mitigating this impact [1].

 

Messy Job Creation Process: The creation of new jobs may not coincide with the timing of job destruction. It can take years for the number of new jobs created to offset the jobs that were lost. Additionally, job creation is not location-specific, which means that emerging opportunities may not be in the same geographic area as where the jobs were lost, making it challenging for displaced workers to take advantage of them [1].

 

Changing Job Mix: Technological disruptions will change the mix of jobs available throughout the economy. Certain types of jobs or occupations may disappear or be significantly reduced, while other occupations grow in importance [1].

 

New Skills and Competencies: The emergence of new jobs will require different skills and competencies. Workers will need to possess technical and behavioral competencies, as well as higher-order cognitive skills and advanced communication abilities [1].

 

To prepare students for the constant disruption they will face in their professional lives, colleges and universities need to ensure that they provide educational experiences that shape the preparedness of students. This includes:

 

Fostering adaptability: Students should be equipped with the ability to adapt to changing technologies and work environments.

Developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills: Students need to be able to analyze complex situations, think critically, and come up with innovative solutions.

Promoting collaboration and teamwork: Students should be encouraged to work collaboratively in diverse teams, as this reflects the collaborative nature of many modern workplaces.

Emphasizing lifelong learning: Students should be encouraged to develop a mindset of continuous learning and be prepared to acquire new skills throughout their careers.

THE DISRUPTION OF EMPLOYMENT

Technological disruption in education is a significant challenge that requires proactive strategies to prepare students for the changing landscape. Here are some key strategies to consider:

 

1)Emphasize Digital Literacy: With the increasing reliance on technology, it is crucial to equip students with digital literacy skills. This includes teaching them how to effectively use digital tools, navigate online platforms, critically evaluate information, and protect their digital identities [1].

 

2)Foster Adaptability and Resilience: Technological disruption often leads to changes in job requirements and the emergence of new industries. To prepare students for this, it is important to foster adaptability and resilience. Encourage them to embrace change, be open to learning new skills, and develop a growth mindset [1].

 

3)Develop Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: As technology advances, the ability to think critically and solve complex problems becomes increasingly important. Incorporate activities and projects that require students to analyze information, evaluate different perspectives, and propose innovative solutions [1].

 

4)Promote Collaboration and Teamwork: In today's interconnected world, collaboration and teamwork are essential skills. Provide opportunities for students to work in teams, engage in group projects, and develop their communication and interpersonal skills. This will prepare them for collaborative work environments [1].

 

5)Encourage Lifelong Learning: Technological disruption is an ongoing process, and students need to be prepared for continuous learning throughout their lives. Foster a culture of lifelong learning by promoting curiosity, self-directed learning, and the pursuit of knowledge beyond the classroom [1].

 

6)Integrate Technology into Teaching and Learning: Embrace technology as a tool to enhance teaching and learning experiences. Incorporate digital resources, online platforms, and educational apps into the curriculum to engage students and provide them with opportunities to develop digital skills [2].

 

7)Provide Professional Development for Educators: Teachers play a crucial role in preparing students for technological disruption. Offer professional development opportunities for educators to enhance their technological skills, learn about emerging trends, and explore innovative teaching methods [2].

技术对教育的颠覆是一个重大挑战，需要采取积极主动的策略来为学生应对不断变化的教育环境做好准备。以下是一些关键策略可以考虑：

 

1)强调数字素养：随着对技术的依赖日益增加，装备学生具备数字素养技能至关重要。这包括教授他们如何有效地使用数字工具，浏览在线平台，批判性评估信息，并保护他们的数字身份[1]。

 

2)培养适应能力和韧性：技术颠覆往往导致工作要求的变化和新兴行业的出现。为了为学生做好准备，培养适应能力和韧性非常重要。鼓励他们接受变化，愿意学习新技能，并培养成长的心态[1]。

 

3)培养批判性思维和解决问题的能力：随着技术的进步，批判性思维和解决复杂问题的能力变得越来越重要。融入需要学生分析信息、评估不同观点并提出创新解决方案的活动和项目[1]。

 

4)促进合作与团队合作：在当今互联互通的世界中，合作与团队合作是必不可少的技能。为学生提供团队合作的机会，参与团队项目，并发展他们的沟通和人际交往能力。这将为他们在合作的工作环境中做好准备[1]。

 

5)鼓励终身学习：技术颠覆是一个持续的过程，学生需要为终身学习做好准备。通过促进好奇心、自主学习和追求课堂之外的知识来培养终身学习的文化[1]。

 

6)将技术融入教学与学习中：将技术作为增强教学与学习体验的工具。将数字资源、在线平台和教育应用程序融入课程，以吸引学生并为他们提供发展数字技能的机会[1]。

 

7)为教育工作者提供专业发展机会：教师在为学生应对技术颠覆方面发挥着关键作用。为教育工作者提供专业发展机会，提升他们的技术能力，了解新兴趋势，并探索创新的教学方法[1]。

 

以上是应对教育中的技术颠覆所需考虑的关键策略。通过强调数字素养、培养适应能力和韧性、发展批判性思维和解决问题的能力、促进合作与团队合作、鼓励终身学习、将技术融入教学与学习中以及为教育工作者提供专业发展机会，可以更好地应对教育中的技术颠覆挑战。