| Criteria | Marks |
|---|
| Provides a thorough explanation of how economics and technology have led to changing work patterns; Provides relevant examples | 7 |
| Provides a sound explanation of how economics and technology have led to changing work patterns; Provides some relevant examples | 6 |
| Provides some explanation of how economics and technology have led to changing work patterns; Provides example(s) | 4–5 |
| Demonstrates some understanding of economics and/or technology and/or changing work patterns | 2–3 |
| Provides some relevant information | 1 |
Sample answer:
Technology such as advancements in the speed of the internet have led to competitive international job markets. Businesses can communicate 24 hours per day meaning that past full time permanent employment has led to the emergence of shift work and the flexibility of working remotely.
As the economy changes from high prosperity to a recession, work patterns change. When the economy is experiencing a high such as a boom, employees can confidently negotiate from full time work to flexible work patterns, such as working remotely or start businesses and becoming self-employed. Employees benefit from higher wages and flexibility, managing work life balance.
Answers could include:
Technology
- Research and development – areas of research such as fertility research can lead full time scientists to move to a research contract, paid for by large fertility companies.
- Automation/robotics – increased use of automation within supermarkets can reduce the number of casual retail jobs.
Economics
- In times of extreme lows, small businesses will close, reducing self-employment, and these employees will remain unemployed or move to casual work.
- Businesses will reduce the number of full time/ permanent workers and rely on short term contracts, temporary and casual work to reduce the costs of outlaying benefits (such as sick leave), whilst maintaining productivity.