What has happened to Work Ethics?

From 2009 archived blog
by Renee Tonquest

Does the younger generation have the same work ethic as their parents? What has happened to cause this disconnect? What can we do as CTE educators to ensure that the students entering the workforce possess a strong work ethic?

The term work ethic as used in this context refers to “the beliefs, values, and principles that guide the way individuals interpret and act upon their rights and responsibilities within the work context at any given time” (Miller & Coady 1984, as cited by Ford & Herren 1993). A work ethic may include attendance, reliability, teamwork, self-management or appearance.

Today’s work place demands workers demonstrate a high degree of professionalism to fulfill productivity requirements. The CTE student must not only learn the skills necessary to perform the job responsibilities, they must possess a strong work ethic.

A report by the U.S. Department of Labor (1991) said that “more than half of our young people leave school without knowledge or foundation to find and hold a good job.” The report also concluded after interviewing employers that “new workers must be creative and responsible problem solvers and have the skills and attitudes on which employers can build.”

Teachers in CTE programs are currently teaching workplace ethics in the classroom. A study has found that “when work ethics are taught via direct, indirect and self-evaluative methods, students are more likely to be aware of the behavior employers expect from entry-level employees. Awareness of workplace expectations is the first step toward appropriate workplace behavior.” (Wells 1998). 

I am going to do my part and attempt to develop curriculum for Health Science teachers in Texas to utilize that will help them prepare the best workers for the health care system.

References
Ford, F. A. & Herren, R. V. (1993, December). The teaching of work ethics: Current practices of work program coordinators in Georgia. Paper presented at the American Vocational Association Convention, Nashville, TN.

Miller, P. F. & Coady, W. T. (1984). Vocational ethics: Toward the development of an enabling work ethic. Springfield, IL: Illinois State Board of Education, Department of Adult, Vocational and Technical Education.

United States Department of Labor (1991). What Work Requires of Schools: A SCANS Report for America 2000. Washington D.C.

Wells, J. L. (1998). Teaching Vocational Work Ethics Using Direct, Indirect and Self-Evaluative Methods.Journal of Vocational and Technical Education, Vol 14-2.http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JVTE/v14n2/JVTE-5.html