Ilo Decent Work Agenda And Informal Economy Benefits Economics Essay

Ilo Decent Work Agenda And Informal Economy Benefits Economics Essay The informal economy defined to include all economic units that are not regulated by the state and all economically active persons who do not receive social protection through their work (ILO 2002), is as perennial and ubiquitous as human society. Discourse on it however, came to light in the early seventies with various studies in third world countries. Notwithstanding its inescapable nature, conceptualization and definition has been a problem for policy makers as well as those within academia. Myriad debates have come up on the issue with diverse views and remedies: some view informal workers as a nuisance to be eliminated or regulated; others see them as a vulnerable group to be assisted through social policies; still others view them as entrepreneurs to be freed from government regulations (Chen 2006:26). But neither the theoretic thoughts nor tangible ideas have provided a comprehensive framework on how to approach global informality and the new challenges it pose to policy makers. This essay critically examines the position of ILO influenced by the legalist perspective on formalizing the informal economy. Are there vested interests in promoting the decent work agenda? Is the decent work agenda merely a guise behind which informality continues to operate? Does the decent work approach take into account structures and institutions? The essay will delve into the argument of who benefits in formalizing the informal economy recognizing the fact that the informal head porter pay daily levies to the local government systems in Ghana but do not receive any benefit. A synopsis on informal economy and decent work agenda will first be outlined and how this applies to the head porter in Ghana. Finally, a conclusion will be drawn with some policy recommendations. Perspectives on Informality The informal economy was first discovered in Africa in the early 1970s due to the dominance of large scale self employed who do not fall within the formal economy. Economic anthropologist Keith Hart coined the term in his series of studies in Africa on the urban labour markets where he distinguished between wage earning and self employment. He emphasized on entrepreneurial dynamism and diversity of people in the informal sector (Hart 1990). This led to the development of three schools of thought dualist, legalist and structuralist perspectives which all try to conceptualize, explain and address the challenges of this complex phenomenon. The dualist posit the view that informal economy is peripheral or marginal and result out of the inadequate jobs in the formal economy and will recede with the development of the modern sector (Hart 1973; ILO 1972; Sethuraman 1976; Tokman 1978). The perspective therefore call for policy focus on support for the informal economy enterprises and workers in the form of credits and business development services with the assumption that the informal economy will fade away with more formal jobs. The structuralists, however, abruptly refute the dualist approach and contend that formal and informal economies are inextricably connected and interdependent the informal economy continues to exist because it is subordinated to the formal economy and enables the formal economy to reduce costs and increase profits (Moser 1978; Castells and Portes 1989, Bromley 1994). Hence policy focus should be on altering the unequal relationship that exists. The legalist approach spearheaded by De Soto (1989) subscribes to the notion that informality is as a result of the excessive over regulation by the state (rigid mercantilist) and hence the solution to the problem of informality is a liberalizing framework deregulate, de-bureaucratize and privatize. The approach therefore advocates for formalizing and the decent work agenda follows directly from this perspective despite influence from other frameworks. Notwithstanding the diversity of these concepts, informality continues to grow in new guises and different forms even in the industrialized nations. It is worth mentioning that none of the perspectives adequately explains or prescribes solutions to the problems of informality given its heterogeneous and multi segmented nature. Consequently, policy makers are faced with the dilemmas of whether to eradicate or formalize the informal economy. This has led to the suggestion of different ways of providing support for those in the informal economy which include licensing, provision of micro credit, training as well as enabling environment for collective action (Chen 2006) with more emphasis on formalizing. In spite of these suggestions, understanding of the formalization process varies and different actors tend to define formalization to suit them. Intrinsically, policy makers view formalizing as a way of licensing informal work and putting in place taxation structures. Conversely, the different informal workers and enterprises see formalizing as a means to attain support and receive the incentives and benefits of formality. Hence in formalizing, there are striking differences in terms of interests and needs which should reflect in the policies of countries. The institutional capacities, mechanisms and resources especially in developing countries are however, inadequate to cater for the wide variations. The above problems question the feasibility of formalizing the informal economy and De Sotos legalist approach to informal economy. Are the states in many countries well equipped to enable workers and enterprises in the informal economy move upward into formality? Formalization may not be that simple as envisaged it can be problematic and a nightmare to policy makers. Despite the complication, the informal economy can be reframed to fruitfully interact with the context and actors as well as reduce the associated vulnerability and risks. Consequently, new frameworks have emerged to take care of the policy challenge of decreasing the cost of working informally (Chen 2006:90-1) or reducing the decent work deficits of working informally (ILO 2002). The ILO decent work agenda champions the emerging consensus concerning the need to develop a framework that is appropriate and able to respond effectively to the problems faced by those in the informal economy. However is this agenda feasible in the mist of all these dilemmas? What can the ILO Decent Work do for Informality? The ILO (2002) defines decent work as productive work which generates an adequate income, in which workers rights are protected and where there is adequate social protection providing opportunities for men and women to obtain productive work in conditions of freedom, equality, security and human dignity. Decent work has been categorized into two different approaches. Some analysts have classified it into eleven measurement categories based on employment opportunities, acceptable work, adequate earnings and productive work, decent hours, stability and security of work, balancing work and family life, fair treatment in employment, safe work environment, social protection, social dialogue and workplace relations, and the economic and social context of decent work (Ghai 2006:27). The other approach views decent work from the perspective of security in which there are seven security indicators labour security, employment security, job security, work security, skill reproduction security , income security and representation security (ILO 2002). Therefore lack of access to these indicators at the macro (national), meso (enterprise) and micro (Individual) (Ghai 2006:27) levels leads to decent work deficits. These securities and indicators are inaccessible to workers in the informal economy albeit pockets of workers in the formal economy also have deficits for example the working poor. Hence in looking at the situation of those in the informal economy, decent work deficits are the main characteristics and apparent are poor quality unprotected and remunerated jobs, the absence of rights to work, inadequate social protection and lack of representation especially among women and young workers (ILO 2002:8). The decent work approach therefore recognizes that all those who work have rights at work, irrespective of where they work (ILO 2002: 8) and should have decent work. Notwithstanding this, a one-size-fit all policy cannot be developed for all segments. Decent work programmes need to take into consideration the diversity in labour markets, multi-segmented nature of informality, the role of government, institutions as well as cultural and historical backgrounds of nations. Decent work should therefore be seen as a goal to be achieved progressively from immediate to long term (ILO 2002). The immediate term focus is to recognize and give protection to those working in the informal economy, the short/medium and long term strategies are to enhance upward movement into formal decent jobs and the creation of formal decent employment opportunities for all respectively. Work should therefore meet decent work conditions which are seen as a source of dignity, satisfaction and fulfillment to workers (Ghai 2006:11). Limitations of Decent Work Paradigm The decent work agenda is a benign attempt to informality but ILO unlike the World Bank and IMF do not have the capacity to enforce and ensure that governments adhere to the decent work programme. Also, while the ILO outlined the securities that will make informal work decent, it does not provide insights into how these securities can be met and whose responsibility (individual, state, market, and other actors) it is to address and find solutions to the deficits. Moreover, ILO does not point out how to prioritize the securities in situations where it is impossible to have all seven fulfilled. The question is shall we prioritize or shall we try to achieve at the same time all the seven securities? Furthermore, whiles Chen (2006:27) assert that capacity of institutions, funding for incentives and social protection, inadequate formal jobs and employers not willing to convert as the problems that impede formalizing, she seems to forget about the vested interest and structural determinants that could hinder decent work. For example institutional obstacles such as the local government units in Ghana may stifle the decent work agenda as incorporating decent work framework will hinder the benefits they enjoy from the informality. Who benefits from formalizing: local government or head porter (Kayayei)? Before looking at the head porter and the local government systems in Ghana, it is important to have background information on the head porter business. The head porters popularly referred to as kayayei in Ghana are female young girls who migrate from northern parts of Ghana to the south predominantly Accra and Kumasi. Like other informal businesses, the kayayei are self employed and engage in carrying goods on their head from one place to the other, unpacking stores especially in market places as well as assist buyers in carrying purchased goods to various locations for a negotiated fee (Argawal et al 1997, Opare 2003, Awumbila 2007). Agarwal et al (1997) further indicates that these girls are part of the informal transport structure of Ghana that transport load from one place to the other and this commercial head load carrying is to be understood within the structure of economic activities of women in the informal economy, and the importance of petty trading as the predominant occu pation of women. Similarly, ILO (2004) and Awumbila (2007) notes that jobs engaged by these Kayayei pay low wages, have low productivity which leads to unstable incomes. The purpose of their involvement however, is to attain sufficient savings to convert to a more lucrative and less arduous occupation (Awumbila 2007:3). These head porters lack official registration, work in highly competitive market places, have deficits in all seven securities, and are exposed to diverse risks and shocks. Their daily vulnerability goes from running after busses for business to harassment from metropolitan agents for payment of daily levies. These head porters however, have various survival strategies which include collective credit and insurance (susu and adashi) schemes and organization of semi-permanent conjugal unions to reduce their vulnerability within the labour market (Awumbila Ardayfio-Schandorf 2008, Argawal et al 1997, Opare 2003). Much of the literature on the kayayei phenomenon talks about migration and livelihoods but hardly talked about is the levy they pay to the local government systems in Ghana but do not gain any form of social protection. Their activities like other informal businesses are not recognized but they are regulated by the metropolitan assemblies in the forms of daily levies. They pay fifty Ghana pesewas daily levy to agents of the assemblies and are hijacked in the course of their operations to pay before they can continue with their activities. It is however, unclear what the taxes collected from these girls are used for. They do not get any form of benefits, incentives or social protection from the local government. Evans (1989:582) describes the case of Zaire predatory state in which state officials squeeze resources from civil society without any more regard for the welfare of the citizenry than a predator has for the welfare of its prey. This predatory state scenario best describes the relationship between the local government and the head porter in Ghana. The metropolitan authorities benefits from the informality of the head porters and do not have any regard for their welfare. In such a case, implementing the decent work approach will serve as a dis-benefit to the government who only plays an opportunistic appropriation role. Hence, such structures may serve as obstacles to the decent work programme. Chen ( 2006:15) indicates that many activities in the informal economy do not generate enough output, employment or income to fall into existing tax brackets but these girls though do not generate enough income are still taxed and this further exacerbate their situation. Conclusion and policy recommendations Once the local government recognize the legality of the head porters through taxation, they are obliged to provide them with protection. For example their activities could be regulated by putting in fixed prices for carrying goods to certain distances to reduce their vulnerability in terms of negotiation. State should provide kayayei with vocational and negotiation skills training, recognize them in the labour laws and give basic security like health care, shelter, protection from eviction and harassment can cushion them against risks and shocks in their daily activities. For instance paying the premium for these head porters in the Ghana national health insurance scheme will take care of their health needs and further enhance their work. Similar welfare funds like the Bidi Workers Welfare and Head Loaders Funds in India could be established to provide social security benefits for these head porters. In addition, their micro insurance schemes and strategies could be enhanced especially the susu and adashi systems. These forms of collective contributions could be transformed into mutual systems of social security. The role of the state is vital in promoting such systems by providing an enabling environment and suitable policy framework to include these schemes. Moreover, the local government systems should recognize and protect the rights of the head porters since they play a facilitative role being part of the transport sector in Ghana. As Opare (2003) noted the kayeyei make useful contribution to the Ghanaian economy and should be recognized as such and provided with the necessary protection to enable reduce decent work deficits. Should these be considered for the social protection policies, it will help reduce the insecurity, vulnerability and material deprivation faced by these head porters.

Creative Essay: Why Are There Poor People -- essays research papers

Creative Essay: Why Are There Poor People   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Looking back on my childhood, I realize how lucky I was to be blessed with the family I have. Knowing what I know now, I have come to understand that not every kid had the same life that I had. Not every child had a living room full of gifts on Christmas morning, or a family to share a birthday with. I was lucky enough to have all of the luxuries that so many children yearn for. So many children take for granted the fact that they eat three meals a day, while so many others are lucky to find a scrap of bread in a dumpster.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It wasn't until I was about nine or ten when I realized that there were poor people in the world. My family and I had been on our annual trip to New York City to see ...

The Chrysalids: A Science Fiction Novel

â€Å"It's often said that Science Fiction is the literature of change. † (Treitel). When a society is going through a period in which they develop many new technologies, science fiction stories often emerge. The feelings and fears of that society are expressed in science fiction. The Chrysalids, a science fiction novel, incorporates characteristics of its genre by being set in a different world, by relating to current events and by showing how destructive power can be. Setting plays a prominent role in defining a science fiction story. Science fiction texts are often set in the future, in space, on a different world, or in a different universe or dimension. † (â€Å"Definition†). John Wyndham's novel, The Chrysalids, is set centuries in the future. â€Å"But, Uncle, if we don't try to be like the Old People and rebuild the things that have been lost, what can we do? † (Wyndham 79). The word science fiction brings to mind futuristic worlds full of whirring machines and shiny metals. This novel takes an alternate approach; it shows a world so devastated by nuclear war that it has actually regressed, and yet it is still a possible future. In addition to being set in the future, this novel shows a changed Earth. â€Å"†¦ An Offense was sometimes quite an impressive occasion†¦ My father†¦ would call us all together, including everyone who worked on the farm. We would all kneel while he proclaimed our repentance and led prayers for forgiveness. The next morning we would all be up before daylight and gather in the yard. As the sun rose we would sing a hymn while my father ceremonially slaughtered the two-headed calf, four-legged chicken, or whatever kind of Offense it happened to be. † (Wyndham 18). The world John Wyndham has created is so different from the current reality, it is almost a separate entity. In the fictional reality, the people are terrified of anything different from what they perceive to be the norm. They kill, burn or cast out anything considered to be a deviation. This setting allows the writer to explore terrifying concepts with distance while still creating parallels with current societies. Setting is a vital part of any science fiction story. Furthermore, science fiction relates to current events. â€Å"Good [science fiction]†¦ can provide us with fascinating thought experiments to while way the hours, or extrapolate future dystopias from the politics of the present; it can generate visions of tomorrow's world, or of worlds eons hence; it can warn or it can soothe†¦ † (Clute 6). The Chrysalids explores the impact of nuclear weapons. â€Å"The whole seaboard is empty – black and harsh and empty. The land looks like a huge desert of c harcoal. Where there are cliffs they are sharp-edged, with nothing to soften them. There are no fish in the sea there, no weed either, not even slime, and when a ship has sailed there the barnacles and the fouling on her bottom drop off, and leave her hull clean. You don't see any birds. Nothing moves at all, except the waves breaking on the black beaches. † (Wyndham 60). This novel was first published in 1955, shortly after World War II and at a time when many people were protesting the use of nuclear bombs. People saw the destruction these weapons were capable of and they were afraid. The Chrysalids is a response to that fear; it shows one possible future. Propaganda is another issue discussed in The Chrysalids. â€Å"Not ashamed! Not ashamed of producing a mockery of your Maker – not ashamed of trying to tempt your own sister into criminal conspiracy! The enemies of God besiege us. They seek to strike at Him through us. Unendingly they work to distort the true image; through our weaker vessels they attempt to defile the race. You have sinned, woman†¦ You have produced a defilement†¦ A baby which, if you were to have your way, would grow up to breed, and, breeding, spread pollution until all around us there would be mutants and abominations. † (Wyndham 72). In 1955, the Cold War was in full swing. Spies and secrets abounded while children were told that the other side is evil and propaganda slowly poisoned their minds. Eventually, they believe the lies. Joseph Strorm truly believes what he is saying; he feels that his sister-in-law should kill her newborn child, rather than let it grow and eventually have children of its own. Science fiction often incorporates concerns of the author and the general public at that time. Additionally, science fiction often involves the misuse of power. â€Å"[Science fiction] suggests the possibility of scientific discovery going too far, taking on a God-like power that leads to disaster. † (Quinn) In The Chrysalids there are two examples of destructive power. Firstly, there is nuclear power. â€Å"This is a dreadful country indeed†¦ There are stretches, miles across, where it looks as if all the ground has been fused into black glass; there is nothing else†¦ It goes on and on†¦ What did they do here? What can they have done to create such a frightful place?†¦ It must be utterly beyond hope, barred to any kind of life for ever and ever†¦ There was the power of gods in the hands of children, we know: but were they mad children, all of them quite mad?†¦ The mountains are cinders and the plains are black glass – still, after centuries! † (Wyndham 179). Power is a dangerous thing, as evidenced by the burned mountains and plains of glass discussed in this novel. Power is a popular topic for science fiction stories because so many people crave it, despite its poor history and bleak future. The Chrysalids looks at the consequences of nuclear warfare and the idea that this kind of power is not meant for human hands. The second type of power explored in The Chrysalids, is the power of conformity. â€Å"According to Ethics, mankind†¦ was in the process of climbing back into grace; we were following a faint and difficult trail which led up to the peaks from which we had fallen†¦ There was only one true trail, and by following it we should, with God's help and in His own good time, regain all that had been lost†¦ Only the authorities, ecclesiastical and lay, were in a position to judge whether the next step was a rediscovery, and so, safe to take; or whether it deviated from the true re-ascent, and so was sinful. † (Wyndham 40). As a race attempting to rebuild its society, conformity and a deference to authority figures would have been beneficial. However, change is necessary for growth. Having a world full of people like Joseph Strorm, who fear change as a deviation from the true path, will bring about the destruction of that society. In The Chrysalids, authority figures force everyone to conform to their idea of what is right and what is sinful. This kind of power is dangerous and, at the end of book, brings about the death of Joseph Strorm and many like him. Destructive power is a popular theme in science fiction novels. Due to its setting, relation to reality and demonstration of various destructive powers, The Chrysalids is clearly a science fiction novel. Science fiction can be many things; it can be educational, providing lessons and morals that apply to real life scenarios; it can be a warning, showing the readers a possible or a probable fate; or it can simply take the reader on a fantastic journey, flying through space and time. Above all science fiction is about change. â€Å"Life is change, that is how it differs from the rocks, change is its very nature. † (Wyndham 182). The Chrysalids, and science fiction in general, teaches that nothing in life is static.

The Protagonist Suffers in Horses of the Night †English Essay

The Protagonist Suffers in Horses of the Night – English Essay Free Online Research Papers The Protagonist Suffers in Horses of the Night English Essay In the short story â€Å"Horses of the Night† by Margaret Laurence, The protagonist Chris suffers of depression. Laurence knows how depression disrupts the lives of millions of people and also reduces work productivity. In this short story Chris is able to cope with his depression by doing certain things like pretending he is rich and owns a ranch. A technique Laurence uses to help the reader understand depression is the foreshadowing which occurs many times threw out the story. Chris is able to cope with his depression and have people believe that he is not suffering from depression because he is always happy and â€Å"He always used to seem sohopeful. Even when there was really nothing to be hopeful about. That’s what I find so strange. He seemed hopeful, didn’t you think?† This indicates that Chris learned how to cope and cover up so well that even Vanessa didn’t know he was that depressed. In 23ff it shows that Vanessa never would have guessed that Chris would ever be depressed â€Å"I could not associate the word with Chris†. This shows how strong her disbelief of the fact that Chris could be suffering from depression. Every year over 17 million American adults experience clinical depression. Almost everyone has been depressed or has known someone who suffers depression. I have a friend that suffers from depression. You have to watch what you say around him because it’s hard to know what he’s thinking if he’s happy or if he’s having a rough day. It can be really hard on his family and the people around him that care about him. Depression affects many people. I believe that if you feel that you or someone you know is suffering from depression it’s important to seek help right away before the feelings of hopelessness over power the desire to survive. Research Papers on The Protagonist Suffers in "Horses of the Night" - English EssayArguments for Physician-Assisted Suicide (PAS)The Effects of Illegal ImmigrationHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows EssayCapital PunishmentAppeasement Policy Towards the Outbreak of World War 2Mind TravelTrailblazing by Eric AndersonHip-Hop is ArtThe Masque of the Red Death Room meaningsBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm X

Free Essays on Young Offenders Act

On April 1, 2003 the YCJA was created (Youth Criminal Justice Act) this act replaced the Young Offenders Act. The change in legislation is because the federal government is trying to reform the Canadian youth. Most of the young people that are imprisioned is because of the distruction of and/or in relation to propety. Only 20% of young people in custody in Canada have actually committed some sort of violent offence. The incarcertion rate for youth is higher then the rate for adults. Young people tend to get longer sentences then adults do. The YCJA includes among all of it's provisions a "declaration of principle " This declaration says that the victim should be treated with courtesy, respect and compassion they are also given an opportunity to participate and be heard. It also says that the criminal justice department system for young people should "emphasize fair accountability of young people depending with the dependancy of young persons and lower level of maturity." The YCJA trys to divert more and more young people away from youth court through the introduction to extrajudicial measures. The YCJA requires police officers to consider a few of the extrajudicial measures before starting any judicial proccedings, it is up to the police at first to decide what they think is in the best interest of the young offender in the case of a offence these extrajudicial measures include: taking no further action, warning the young offender; administering a caution; a referral that the young person joins a group or organization that may help in assisting the offender to not commit any more offences. But the YCJA still seeks to have the young people take responsibility for their offences. The offenders that admit to doing the crime are allocated a easier extrajudicial sanction. These sanctions may include any of the following; apologies to the victim; community service; or paying restitution if crime is property related. ... Free Essays on Young Offenders Act Free Essays on Young Offenders Act On April 1, 2003 the YCJA was created (Youth Criminal Justice Act) this act replaced the Young Offenders Act. The change in legislation is because the federal government is trying to reform the Canadian youth. Most of the young people that are imprisioned is because of the distruction of and/or in relation to propety. Only 20% of young people in custody in Canada have actually committed some sort of violent offence. The incarcertion rate for youth is higher then the rate for adults. Young people tend to get longer sentences then adults do. The YCJA includes among all of it's provisions a "declaration of principle " This declaration says that the victim should be treated with courtesy, respect and compassion they are also given an opportunity to participate and be heard. It also says that the criminal justice department system for young people should "emphasize fair accountability of young people depending with the dependancy of young persons and lower level of maturity." The YCJA trys to divert more and more young people away from youth court through the introduction to extrajudicial measures. The YCJA requires police officers to consider a few of the extrajudicial measures before starting any judicial proccedings, it is up to the police at first to decide what they think is in the best interest of the young offender in the case of a offence these extrajudicial measures include: taking no further action, warning the young offender; administering a caution; a referral that the young person joins a group or organization that may help in assisting the offender to not commit any more offences. But the YCJA still seeks to have the young people take responsibility for their offences. The offenders that admit to doing the crime are allocated a easier extrajudicial sanction. These sanctions may include any of the following; apologies to the victim; community service; or paying restitution if crime is property related. ... Free Essays on Young Offenders Act ABOUT THE YOA The Young Offenders Act was proclaimed into law in Canada on April 2, 1984. It replaced the Juvenile Delinquents Act, which had been in place for the previous 75 years. The YOA brought about significant changes from that previous legislation. Many were considered controversial right from the beginning and the critics started complaining even before it was officially proclaimed. One group thought that it was too harsh and created a new "Criminal Code for Kids". Others said it was too lenient and allowed young people to avoid responsibility for their actions. Little has changed in that regard, despite amendments to the YOA over the past 15 years. The criticism continues from both sides with many looking back to the time of the Juvenile Delinquents Act. In this web page, I propose to examine that earlier Act, and then go on to discuss various aspects of the YOA. Needless to say, emphasis will be placed on those areas that have generated criticism or controversy. Comments will also be m ade about the new Youth Criminal Justice Act, which was recently passed by the Canadian Parliament but has yet to be proclaimed in force. JUVENILE DELIQUENT’S ACT The JDA was a mixture of both criminal law and child welfare ("child protection" in some provinces) law. It was a reaction to the perceived harshness of earlier laws that treated children who broke the law just like adult offenders. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the fundamental aim in criminal jurisprudence was not reformation but punishment. This applied equally to children and there were numerous reported decisions about young children who were hanged. By the late 19th century, reformers, who were incensed by the harshness of this, clamored for change. They sought to protect and redeem those who they saw to be the victims of vicious environments, unfortunate heredity and cruel treatment at the hands of parents and employers. Juvenile court reform was only ...

Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Strategy - Essay Example earch engine today is its ability to be â€Å"integrated into a third party’s website or intranet† (The Economist, 182) that also allows corporate intranets to search company documents. Its search engine also offers services to advertisers to run large campaigns through its search engine, which contributes tremendously to its bottom line. Google’s Adsense and the ability of its search engine appliance to be integrated into a company’s intranet for a charge, synergizes with its basic search engine facility, thus, enhancing the revenue potential of the engine. Its acquisition of YouTube in 2006 also allowed it to receive advertising revenues for ads displayed during internet videos, while its 2008 acquisition of DoubleClick allowed the company to generate advertising revenues through banner ads. Its other business segments such as Gmail, GoogleMaps, Google scholar and several other products and services add to its search engine with each segment complementing the other services. Google’s introduction of the Android operating system also allowed the company to penetrate the growing market of the mobile internet industry. All these capabilities of Google products and services, which work in synergy and complement each other in terms of increased traffic and market reach, illuminate its success. While Google’s basic services, such as its search engine and mail, are free, it is able to derive revenue from other revenue generating services attached to the free ones such as Adsense. The synergy of Google’s product and services increases the traffic and usage of its services, which allows it to reach and penetrate the market deeper. Google’s deeper market reach and penetration translates to its wider market base, which ultimately redounds to enhanced revenue for the company. All these innovative products and services were a product of Google’s talented workforce and its unorthodox corporate set-up. To maintain its innovativeness, Google always

Work Force Diversity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Work Force Diversity - Essay Example Workforce diversity can be defined as the workforce of an organization that is made up of people from different cultural and demographical backgrounds. Diversity can be also on the basis of human qualities. However from the perspective of an individual diversity can be in terms of ethnicity, race, gender, age, or anything related to physical abilities. Although diversity acts as a key competitive advantage to the organizations, sometimes it can act as a concern. For example diversity in the form of working generation is a matter of concern for many organizations. There are four generations that work side by side in an organization, and each group has some different expectations and diversified mindset. Therefore to create an environment where all the groups get fitted is certainly a challenge for the organizations. As human being enters the 21st century, diversity in workforce has become crucial in a business venture. In this age of information technology, the most valuable asset of the organization is its workforce. The increasing globalization has made people to interact more among themselves as well as from the people of different beliefs, locations and cultural backgrounds. People are no longer working in an inward-looking market, but they work in a global market place. There are competitions from almost every part of the world. Hence for this principal reason organizations need diversity in their workforce. It has also become a way to be more innovative and also open to amendments.