Expanding service sector

In western economies, growth in the service sector was very marked in the past two decades of the twentieth century. This rapid expansion, and concomitant growth in employment, has been driven by a combined growth in services to businesses and social and personal services, in particular in the 1980s.

1. Overall employment growth in the service sector will slow down in the decade of the 1990s and a polarization of jobs is likely to occur. Currently the service sector in North America and western Europe, in particular the financial sector, retailing and the public sector, is being restructured as manufacturing was in the 1980s, in response to financial constraints, competitive pressure and new technologies. Job cuts and early retirement schemes will be introduced as firms consolidate or are taken over.

1. Shifting from energy- to information-intensive societies

1. Using computer-based technology
2. Supporting very small scale economic activities
3. Promoting employment in the service sector
4. Increasing employment in retail sector
5. Increasing employment in financial sector
6. Increasing employment in caring professions
7. Increasing clerical employment
8. Expanding urban communication service
9. Evaluating effects of world trade agreements on services
10. Establishing small consultancy practices
11. Broadening consumer service businesses

1. Working from home
2. Supporting participation of women in work force
3. Generating employment

1. Restructuring industry
2. Providing services illegally
3. Launching small service industries
4. Increasing labour flexibility
5. Developing information technology

1. Neglecting servicing

1. Unethical practices in the service sector
2. Institutional economic domination

1. Service