Running head: Position Paper: Declining Work Ethic

Position Paper: Declining Work Ethic

Jessica R. Stec
Concordia University
May 17, 2015

Position Paper: Declining Work Ethic

Position Paper: Declining Work Ethic

The decline of work ethic in the United States has been a topic in recent years for several
reasons. At the top of that list is the amount of unemployed individuals that are reliant on
government assistance. Internet blogger Steven Mintz comments, A strong work ethic starts at
home with involved parents that set limits, promote personal responsibility, and provide a
positive role model for their kids; and then these virtues should be nurtured by caring teachers.
Why it matters and why is should matter to our communities
Work ethic is defined as a belief in the moral benefit and importance of work and its
inherent ability to strengthen character. An article titled Restoring the work ethic in America
includes, The work ethic is part and parcel of a hierarchy of the American value system.
Industrious people who are willing to work hard, who show an interest in the task at hand, and
who exhibit pride in a job well done, reflect a labor force to which Americans have long been
accustomed (p. 127). As government and society have evolved, the welfare system is now
supporting many capable individuals who choose to not work. Dan Schwabel interviewed Eric
Chester, author of Reviving Work Ethic: A Leaders Guide to Ending Entitlement and Restoring
Pride in the Emerging Workforce. Chester states, The decline of work ethic is not uniquely an
American problem, but one that is affecting all Western nations and a growing number of those
in the East. However, if we examine the American workplace today with a comparable example
from the 1930s, 1960s, or even the 1990s, its easy to see that America has lost sight of the
virtues that comprise work ethicthe very things that helped build our country. Students in the
classrooms of today have a very different upbringing than those before many technological
advances. Chester continues, The pursuit of happiness and the American Dream drove progress
and innovation, but they came with unintended side effects. In many cases, for instance, healthy

Position Paper: Declining Work Ethic

ambition has morphed into avarice. Urbanization and an emphasis on large-scale businesses
means fewer and fewer kids are learning about work in the natural course of family life.
Technological advances that make life faster, more fun, more entertaining, and easier to
navigate are also consuming our time and energy while eliminating avenues for learning vital
concepts about work. And pop psychologists have pushed parents to focus on building selfesteem in their children, creating at least two generations of me-centric workers. No wonder so
many employers are use terms like entitled, disengaged, unmotivated, and disloyal when
describing their current workforce and potential labor pool. Teachers today are working even
harder to motivate and encourage students to put forth effort that they otherwise do not need to or
are not expected to at home. The effect is students who do not work hard for anything in school,
and parents do not encourage them to work either. Educators are expected to send students into
the world prepared to be productive members of society. Unfortunately, students have an unreal
vision of what life is like, and many have limited experience in true work ethic. Parents often
help too much and try to shelter their children instead of letting them learn and learn to work for
things they want or need. What does this mean? Our world continues anyway, and we need
capable, willing, and those who know how to work to become contributing members. We need
individuals that have been taught what work ethic means and actually use it daily. If not, our
country will continue to drown in debt while several live off the government assistance
programs, although perfectly able to work. Andrew Dunn found in his research, Yet the more
educated nevertheless found it easier to find good jobs because education increases
employability. The less educated often wanted jobs but were unable to find them (p. 16). If
educators can join parents instilling a strong work ethic, our future is brighter.
How We Can Help

Position Paper: Declining Work Ethic

In order to help alleviate this problem, everyone has a role in teaching the younger
generation. Parents can teach responsibility to children at a young age by assigning chores for
their children and then following through with expectations. Teachers can have high
expectations for students as well in the classroom; challenging the students to work hard and
always do their very best. The old saying, It takes a village to raise a child, can be used in this
situation. As neighbors, everyone can help children to stay focused and teach them that with
hard work they can achieve their goals. Another suggestion would be to have children work for
others and not just for family. Learning how to follow someone elses rules, guidelines, and
expectations can teach a great deal of responsibility. Providing guidance, assistance, and even
vocational education opportunities allows for students to think about their future at a young age
and start planning early. Hill completed research on work ethic and shares what industrial
leaders look for, They needed some good workers. They wanted them to have adequate
baseline skills, but for anything special they would provide additional training in the workplace.
Areas they had concerns about had to do with whether workers would come to work on time, be
able to work together with some other people on a team, and have some initiative such that if
they saw something needing to be done they would do it without being told to do so. Industries
find it challenging to develop these characteristics if workers do not have them when they walk
in the door (p. 30). These are all things that can be taught, and most easily taught by adults in
childrens lives setting good examples.
Boundaries that Must be Respected
It can be a touchy subject when being involved with other individuals. Teaching
the younger generation in a way that is not accusatory or pointing out faults is a fine line to not
cross. When a village raises a child, it must be done in a positive manner that encourages and

Position Paper: Declining Work Ethic

teaches instead of being negative or outright correcting someone else. One easy way is to give
examples of well-known individuals that had to work hard in order to be successful. Do not
insult groups, cultures, or traditions that may be offended in any way. The goal of teaching
students to inspire them to work hard and achieve more; therefore, a positive learning experience
will do far more than any negativity.
How I Can Help
As a teacher, I have the opportunity to teach children the importance of a good work
ethic. Every day in my classroom students look to me as an example. I must provide a good role
model by being on time, being prepared, and working hard to help my students succeed.
Teaching students that hard work pays off can be one of the most rewarding parts of my career. I
constantly encourage and challenge my students to do more than they believed they could, while
never giving up on them, and not allowing them to give up. Setting high expectations
encourages students as long as I remain positive and continue to believe in them. I also
volunteer coach community sports and coach school sports as well. The best lesson I can give
my students is my personal story of struggle, hard work, and eventual success. Students often
look to coaches for encouragement, and I find that is where I can be of most assistance is
providing my example to help encourage them.

Position Paper: Declining Work Ethic

References
Restoring the work ethic in America. (1992). Education, 113(1), 127.

Schwabel, D. (Dec. 21, 2011). Reviving work ethic in America. Retrieved from
http://www.forbes.com/sites/danschawbel/2011/12/21/reviving-work-ethic-inamerica/

Dunn, A. (2010). The Dole or Drudgery Dilemma: Education, the Work Ethic and
Unemployment. Social Policy & Administration, 44(1). 1-19.

Hill, R.B. (2010). Excellence: The Importance of Vision and Work Ethic. Technology &
Engineering Teacher, 70(2), 28-31.