Page 51 - The Fourth Industrial Revolution

are unable to do this, the fourth industrial revolution could lead to the dark

side of the future of work, which Lynda Gratton, a professor of management
practice at London Business School describes in her book The Shift: The
Future of Work is Already Here - increasing levels of fragmentation,
isolation and exclusion across societies. 29

As I state throughout this book, the choice is ours. It entirely depends on the
policy and institutional decisions we make. One has to be aware, however,

that a regulatory backlash could happen, thereby reasserting the power of
policymakers in the process and straining the adaptive forces of a complex
system.

The importance of purpose

We must also keep in mind that it is not only about talent and skills.
Technology enables greater efficiency, which most people want. Yet they

also wish to feel that they are not merely part of a process but of something
bigger than themselves. Karl Marx expressed his concern that the process of
specialization would reduce the sense of purpose that we all seek from

work, while Buckminster Fuller cautioned that the risks of over-
specialization tend “to shut off the wide-band tuning searches and thus to
preclude further discovery of the all-powerful generalized principles.” 30

Now, faced with a combination of increased complexity and hyper-
specialization, we are at a point where the desire for purposeful engagement
is becoming a major issue. This is particularly the case for the younger
generation who often feel that corporate jobs constrain their ability to find

meaning and purpose in life. In a world where boundaries are disappearing
and aspirations are changing, people want not only work-life balance but
also harmonious work-life integration. I am concerned that the future of

work will only allow a minority of individuals to achieve such fulfilment.

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