Perils of Prosperity

The most profound social and economic transformation over the last quarter century has been how knowledge and intellectual assets have supplanted physical labor in rearranging work and organizations. Competition for high-paying, knowledge-intensive jobs has become fierce, as corporations seek out the best talent for the cheapest price. Knowledge-intensive work is the key to long term success. How will people and organizations succeed? A new nationalism seemscounterproductive considering that Americas well being is inextricably linked to the rest of the world. A purpose-driven life seems unattainable given lifestyles that are built on brand loyalty and consumption. Innovation seems an illusion given massive job de-skilling and outsourcing. Such are the perils of prosperity. Nevertheless, people and organizations must strive to work collaboratively and in innovative ways.