Automation,Automation,Globalization,Globalization,

and the and the Digital DivideDigital Divide

Technology's Impact on Work

Ethics for the Information Age, Chapter 10

Questions

Does automation help or hurt employees in the US?

Does automation help or hurt companies?

Arguments Arguments forfor Automation Automation

Automation reduces price of products

Lower price increases demand

Lower prices increase consumers' buying power which also increases demand

Increased demand creates more jobs

Ethics for the Information Age by M. Quinn

Facts Facts againstagainst Automation Automation US Workers in Manufacturing

1947 - 35% 2011 - 9%

However, manufacturing output has increased

Between 1970 and 1990, avg time at work per yearincreased by 163 hours

Many middle-class jobslike secretaries are disappearing

Congressional Budget Office

Effects of Increased ProductivityEffects of Increased Productivity We own more, have more job choices, better

healthcare, etc. than any time in history 1964 - avg house was 1470 sqft, 20% had AC 2001 - avg house is 2100 sqft, with 3 TVs

We also work more than any time in history Medieval England had four months of holidays per year

Hence, we have far more luxury but less leisure time

QuestionQuestion

So, is this trend good or bad?

Next QuestionsNext Questions

Is globalization good or bad?

How has computing technology impacted globalization?

Pro-GlobalizationPro-Globalization

Globalization increases competition better products lower costs

People in poor countries deserve jobs too

Creating prosperity around the world increases stability

Anti-GlobalizationAnti-Globalization The US should be run by Americans, not the WTO

US workers should not have to compete with foreign workers who do not have decent pay or decent working conditions

Globalization has accelerated the loss of both white-collar and blue-collar jobs

Removing trade barriers hurts non-US workers too Japanese farmers can't compete with Texas rice growers

So…So…

Is globalization good or bad?

Will all the Information Technology jobs end up going to India?

Digital DivideDigital Divide Global Divide

Internet Users in USA - 75% Internet Users in Africa - 5%

Social Divide

Is the Internet …A. a luxury itemB. standard equipment, like the DVD or microwave ovenC. an essential utility, like clean waterD. a right

"Winner takes All" Tradition Examples:

star athletes movie stars

Info Tech has speeded the pace of change resulting in the spread of "Winner takes all"

Results tax software has cost CPAs business online real estate software -- small brokers stock trading companies execute trades in a fraction

of a second, making $millions every day.

Next Time…

You.