Question

In a service economy....

1. Physical strength and stamina are most valued by employers
2. Dexterity and ability to perform repetitive tasks are most valued by employers
3. Judgement and theoretical thinking are most valued by employers
4. Education and innovation are least valued by employers

Answer 1

In a service economy, employers value judgment and theoretical thinking, and the economy is increasingly driven by service industries requiring specialized knowledge and skills. Option 3 is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a service economy, the skills and functions that are most valued by employers include judgment and theoretical thinking, as well as innovation and specialized knowledge. Service industries such as healthcare, education, and legal and financial services have become integral to economic growth, moving away from an economy focused on manufacturing solid goods. The modern economy often requires workers to interact with technology, manage information, and provide customer service rather than perform physically demanding tasks.

The 'McDonaldization' of certain service sectors has led to routinized roles that discourage decision-making and innovation, making workers feel dehumanized. However, as the Davis-Moore thesis suggests, there is a high reward for jobs that require specialized skills and advanced education, reflecting the functional perspective of work in the economy. Finally, despite the challenge in the quality of American education, the global economy favors nations populated by 'knowledge workers' with specialized knowledge and skills.