Evaluate critically the effectiveness of large scale surveys in Essay

Evaluate critically the effectiveness of large scale surveys in measuring flexible employment in the UK - Essay Example Similarly, it is difficult to see with any clarity how these present drivers of the "new economy" will be changing the world of work and related issues. All that is known for sure is that the changes will be equally unpredictable and diverse. Work in the new economy or the information age is fundamentally different fro the industrial economy. The world is shifting to the "New Wave" information technology led economy. However, regulatory environments, social norms or academic research have to cope with both industrial age and new economy at the same time. It is generally accepted through large-scale surveys on the changes in employment that, above all, flexible employment is here to stay. What is not clear from surveys is the definition of what such work should be. In any case, the present version of flexible employment fails to keep pace with fast changing technological environments in Britain. Surveys, government sponsored or funded by private bodies, do not show how trends in emplo yment impact families, gender specific situations, and the work force in general. A flexible work force is paid normal rates to fulfil work, which is just adequate to require its services. The question is tied to fiscal and business issues. This deserves to be examined with the relevant perspectives in mind. Current research needs to adapt to changing situation. (Tones & Tilford, 2001) This is not merely an academic concern. ... An effective solution needs to be found for the problem of mismatch in skilled labour versus demand. The search for a solution merges academic and business based research bearing on fiscal and regulatory measures governing business, the needs and motivations of the labour force. The greatest problems are not technical. In fact, employees realize the imperatives for change and are open minded to it. The technology required is at hand and improves all the time. What is required is convincing academic research to support the business environment. What business will require at this point of time is guidance on how to implement and manage flexibility in the work place. Issues of social security and taxation within business remain firmly rooted in the industrial age. Clearly academic research is not keeping up with the pace of change experienced in the real world.Change is taking place in the world of work, which is indicated by a shift in emphasis from norms of permanent employment at one location. The academic community is equipped to face challenges at the macro level, and can influence governments, and suggest answers to questions raised about work in an emerging new economy. Nevertheless, ongoing research and surveys will be effective if the reality of the emerging work environments is accepted. We are already living the future. (King, 2005) The rise of services The traditional manufacturing sector measured as a share of GNP and in terms of numbers employed has declined in all mature industrial economies. On the other hand, the service sector has had a healthy growth, often complementing industrial processes. However, many of the new services are in fact industry-related services. For example, an in-house design team working for a manufacturer would be