Final answer:
Technological advances in digital information management act as a substitute for the labor of file clerks, leading to a decrease in their demand.
Step-by-step explanation:
As technological advances become more prevalent in storing, sorting, and organizing information digitally, the impact on the demand for file clerks, who traditionally managed paper records, is significant. These advancements act as substitutes for the labor previously performed by file clerks.
For example, similar to how word processing technology reduced the demand for typists, digital organization systems decrease the need for file clerks, leading to a leftward shift in the demand curve for file clerks. As companies adopt more digital systems, the demand for file clerks generally decreases.
On the other hand, technology can also act as a complement to labor in some sectors, increasing the demand for particular types of skilled labor, such as information technology professionals. These professionals are needed to manage, maintain, and troubleshoot the software and hardware that facilitate digital organization.
Therefore, while the demand for file clerks decreases, technology simultaneously increases the demand for skilled workers capable of harnessing it to enhance productivity.
The correct answer to the student's question is b. the demand for file clerks decreases.