Page 199 - Business Principles and Management

Case Study

ENDANGERED CAREERS FOR AMERICAN ENTREPRENEURS

America’s job outlook may be healthy, with many industries planning on
growth in the coming years. But there are indicators that some occupa-
tions are becoming obsolete. Occupations facing decline include farmers
and ranchers, stock clerks and order fillers, sewing machine operators,
computer operators, secretaries, telemarketers, meter readers, parts sales-
people, and telephone operators. These career fields are endangered as a
result of technological advances and corporate changes. Nearly 155,000
jobs for farmers and ranchers are endangered due to consolidation of
farms into fewer and larger corporate operations that are replacing small
independent farms. The growing use of computers for inventory control
and the installation of new, automated equipment are expected to replace
the jobs of 115,000 stock clerks and order fillers. The growing volume
of imports, greater use of offshore assembly, and increased productivity
through new automation will contribute to the loss of 93,000 sewing
machine operator jobs. Private delivery companies and electronic commu-
nications may replace 59,000 positions for mail clerks and mail-machine
operators. Nearly 49,000 computer operator jobs are being replaced with
the latest technology. Telemarketing jobs are losing steam due to the num-
ber of people choosing not to receive telemarketing calls and the greater
use of blocking technology. Meter reader positions are being replaced
with the latest technology. Electronic commerce ordering and reorder-
ing systems will automate the work of nearly 16,000 parts salespersons.
Voice recognition systems will lead to a decline in the need for telephone
operators.
Some of the hottest growth areas include elder care and pharmaceu-
ticals for an aging baby boomer population. Entertainment products,
the latest technological devices, and household appliances are also in
high demand.

THINK CRITICALLY
1. Why should potential entrepreneurs pay attention to national trends
for different occupational areas?
2. Why should the buying habits of baby boomers be considered when
determining entrepreneurial ventures to pursue?
3. What entrepreneurship opportunities may be available to small
farmers and ranchers?
4. How has international trade affected entrepreneurship opportunities
in the United States?

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