Jobs are the lifeblood for national economies and family budgets. The search for economic opportunity often drives people to move around the globe. The most educated and highly skilled workers are in demand, and immigration policies often reflect that priority. Less skilled would-be immigrants, however, are often subject to tighter restrictions – even in nations where native citizens refuse to take on harvesting, construction, cleaning or other difficult tasks. Advanced technology reduces the need for labor; employers also rely on outsourcing, contract workers and the internet for digital work, including tax preparation, X-ray analysis or graphic design. Nations fiercely compete for jobs while multinational corporations reduce labor costs to increase profits.

Immigration is Changing the Face of Suburban America

Atlanta's experience shows that migrants can help revitalize once-languishing local economies
William G. Holt, III
July 6, 2004

Can Corporations Safeguard Labor and Human Rights?

US-backed corporate social responsibility initiatives could help improve conditions in developing countries
Susan Ariel Aaronson
June 24, 2004

Outsourcing Debate - Part II

Challenge of virtual office-space needs long-term solutions, not election year quick-fix
Nayan Chanda
February 27, 2004

Outsourcing Debate - Part III

The losers in globalization must be helped
David Dapice
March 1, 2004

Despite Rhetoric, Offshoring Won’t Stop

A global recession is the time for outsourcing some tasks and reducing costs as well as anxiety
Dinesh C. Sharma
March 9, 2009

Outsourcing Debate - Part I

As businesses move service-sector jobs overseas, the US must re-train its workforce
Rafiq Dossani
February 25, 2004

It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s a Professional Foreigner!

Survey by entry-level worker in China surprises managers and himself
Samuel Massie
July 24, 2015

New Birth for Social Democracy

Policies that tackle inequality can minimize conflict
Kemal Derviş
June 12, 2015

HSBC’s Local Rethink Can’t Shore Up Global Act

Investors question the need for global banks
Paul J. Davies
June 10, 2015

Fair Trade for the Global Garment Industry

Consumers, governments could impose costs on brand names that tolerate inhumane conditions
David Welsh
May 22, 2015

The Robots Aren’t Threatening Your Job

Public policies do not anticipate how technology affects the workforce
Catherine Rampell
April 10, 2015