Final answer:
The most significant factor driving change is the rise of technology and globalization, which are causing shifts from manufacturing to service industries and increased global competition, thereby changing economic structures and societal behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Many factors are driving change, but none is more important than the rise of technology and globalization. These two interconnected shifts are fundamentally altering markets and industries. The shift from manufacturing to service industries is one aspect of these changes. Likewise, the force of globalization and increased competition from foreign producers has redefined how local businesses operate. Additionally, there is a reduced desire for unions because workplace protection laws have made significant progress in ensuring workers' rights, reducing the perceived need for collective bargaining.
The impact of these changes is broad, affecting not only economic structures but also our environment and health. Globalization has facilitated the spread not only of goods and services but also of culture and technology, leading to multinational corporations expanding their reach. Finally, the vast improvements in communications technologies, such as the Internet, allow consumers and businesses to interact on a global scale, which has increased the degree of competition faced by many companies.