The Global Economy- More Danger Signals

Research conducted by the Emirates Foundation has found that young people in the UAE are avoiding careers in the private sector and plumping instead for Government and other public sector jobs. And it’s not just because they want greater job security. It seems that they fear they will not be able to compete with a global workforce educated at English language institutions.

Of course English language colleges and universities sell themselves on this very point. To compete in the global economy, they claim, one needs to have a Western, English speaking education. But a Western education is expensive and is considered by some to be culturally unsuitable. And although some English language universities are outstanding, many are mediocre, at best. An English language education is not synonymous with a good education.

Globalisation brings both benefits and disadvantages. Those who are excluded from competing because they were educated in their national institutions, or with a particular cultural bias, are in danger of being disadvantaged economically and marginalised socially. Since one of the founding principles of the global economy is equality of opportunity for all, over reliance on one language and a uniform culture may well prove to be counterproductive.

The message of the Tower of Babel is not of a vengeful God punishing those who disobey him. Rather, it is a metaphor for the dangers of homogenisation. A single language may be good for commerce. But successful societies require more than just profitable commerce. The global economy has to do more than just pay lip service to diversity.

Bosses and Their Shortcomings

The head of the Northern Ireland Water company is reported as set to resign following extensive water shortages brought on by the cold weather. The commander of an American aircraft carrier has been fired after showing his crew sexually abusive videos. The one thing both these events have in common is that they are bosses of public organisations.

4 Ways To Deal With A Cancelled Holiday

So you have been working hard all year and finally holiday time comes round. You are all set to go away, everything is packed. The kids are in the car, the suitcases in the boot, and you are on the way to the airport. But there’s a problem. The airport is closed. All the flights are cancelled. Familiar story? You’ve seen it on TV a hundred times. Now it’s happening to you.

Ethically Dubious Employers

An article in today’s Guardian newspaper highlights the suffering of miners in the Congo who extract the tin and tantalum used in our laptops and mobile phones. The author, Madeleine Bunting, highlights those technology companies which make the greatest effort to avoid using unethically sourced products, and those which don’t.

Its Anti-Bullying Week

It’s anti bullying week. Although the campaign is aimed primary at young people who are being bullied at school, we shouldn’t forget that bullying is a major workplace issue too.

Although there are laws against harassment when the grounds are clearly discriminatory, for example age, sexuality or ethnic origin, there are no laws against bullying. And even if there was, the very nature of bullying is such that many victims would find it difficult to seek legal redress.