So-called recipe for disaster

Kimberly Chapple
Editor

While reading the business pages of my local newspaper recently, I came across a story headlined, "White-collar jobs on endangered list, business guru says." Tom Peters, author of "In Search of Excellence" and other top-selling books, states that 90% of white-collar jobs will be eliminated or dramatically changed in the next 10 years due to automation and the Internet. Peters believes we are threatened by: (1)"white-collar robots," or computers with a set of decision guidelines, which will replace humans who work in engineering, information systems, finance and human resources; (2) "destructive" entrepreneurs who wish to kill big business; and (3) global outsourcing, whereby U.S. companies assign white-collar jobs via the Internet to workers in India and Mexico where wages are much lower. When asked what employees should do amid all this uncertainty, Peters replies, "SAV -- screw around vigorously. For God's sakes, try something."

I started wondering if this guy really, truly believed this to be our future a scant 10 years down the road. Or was he just trying to sell books? I can't imagine engineers would really design -- and then allow the implementation of -- systems that would cause 90% of them to lose their jobs. Second, I take issue with talk of "destructive" entrepreneurship. Did Mr. Peters consider the impact of altruistic entrepreneurs using the Internet as a force for good, such as CharityFocus, one of Silicon Valley's most innovative charitable organizations. Just over a year old, it is a self-described "experiment in the joy of giving." The group funnels its technical expertise to different areas of the globe as volunteers build websites for nonprofit organizations. So far, the group has more than 400 active volunteers and has built Web sites for more than 200 organizations.

Another positive use for the Internet either now or 10 years down the road is "Engineers without Frontiers," (EWOF) an emerging database of engineers from various disciplines willing to contribute their skills over the Internet to communities in less developed areas. It is modeled on Nobel peace prize winning "Doctors without Borders," without the need for travel. It is the brainchild of Tom Mahon, a contributing writer to EE Times who has written about technology for more than 25 years, most recently focusing on humanizing the culture of technology.

Now back to the issue of Mr. Peters -- is he trying to help save your jobs or does he just want to sell books? You decide. Meantime, I'd like to take him up on his "for God's sakes try something" advice. Try this. Try adding a few ingredients to your recipe of the future and see if things turn out better the second time around: Combine the sense of social awareness and responsible stewardship in bowl. Add altruism, the Internet and entrepreneurial spirit. Throw in a dash of compassion. Mix well. Let rise as people and corporate consciences develop. Serve all.

kchapple@designfax.net