This category pays tribute to that activity that consumes a majority of our breathing life called work. The perspectives on work vary among management, white collar workers, blue collar workers, administrative and operational support, suppliers and contractors, customers, investors, and the unemployed.
It is easy to take work for granted, but let us be thankful for the ability to provide the basic necessities in life by being able to earn a living. People in the United States frequently forget that even our working poor maintain standards of living better than 95% of the rest of the world. What is the standard of living like in most third world countries, such as those countries in Africa, South America, and Asia?
It is refreshing to meet new immigrants who come to the U.S. because they are so appreciative of the opportunities and benefits that this country offers, and they show their gratitude with their hard work ethic. However, this is not to say that there are many aspects of business that do not have opportunities for improvement.
There is concern that the entertainment industry, coupled with the advertising world, may be installing superficial and materialistic views, such that some people: believe that they have to keep up or compete with their neighbors; want what their parents had at a much younger age; or link their self-esteem to their material possessions and status. Some of the end results are shallow lives filled in the pursuit of material possessions, out of control personal debt and less saving, longer hours or two jobs, and spending less time with the family.
Then there are some "have nots" who see all the superficial wealth of the "haves" possess, but because of cultural forces and cycles of poverty may not be able or are not willing to make the personal sacrifices such as working hard to get a good education, living within their means, saving and be patient, and practicing responsible behavior that leads to a better quality of life. In extreme situations, their resentment, hate, and anger, manifests to the point where they cut corners and rationalize their illegal or wrong transgressions (i.e., sell drugs, resort to crime, etc.).
Perhaps, in this day of age of excessive materialism, superficiality, easy temptation, and discouraging cultures, maybe the most deserving, but unrecognized hero of them all are those working poor that put in long hard hours and refuse to cut corners in life just to make ends meet. These individuals deserve the highest respect and admiration.
Can corporations and employers build mutually beneficial relationships with employees, customers, and stakeholders to create win-win situations? Can the music industry build mutually beneficial relationships with musicians, customers, and stakeholders to create win-win situations?