The Coming Jobs War

About the Author

Jim Clifton is the Chairman and CEO of Gallup, a global analytics and advice firm known for its research in public opinion and behavioral economics. Clifton has been instrumental in expanding Gallup from a U.S.-centric organization to an international powerhouse with offices in over 30 countries. He developed The Gallup Path, a metric-based economic model linking human nature in the workplace, customer engagement, and business outcomes, which is utilized by over 500 companies worldwide. His most recent innovation, the Gallup World Poll, provides a comprehensive, global perspective on various key issues by capturing the voices of 7 billion people across almost every country and demographic group.

Main Idea

"The Coming Jobs War" explores the critical importance of job creation in securing the future prosperity of nations. Clifton posits that the global demand for good jobs will define the next 30 years, outweighing other leadership priorities such as military power or political influence. The lack of good jobs, he argues, is the root cause of many global issues, including poverty, extremism, and instability. As such, leaders must prioritize job creation to prevent societal collapse and ensure long-term economic growth and stability.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What 7 Billion People Want
• Joblessness
• China's Surge
• Classical Economics vs. Behavioral Economics
• Cities as Economic Engines
• Entrepreneurship vs. Innovation
• High-Energy Workplaces
• Customer Science
• K-12 Schools - Where Entrepreneurs Are Created
• Fix Health Care or Destroy Job Creation
• Global Wellbeing
• Conclusion

Introduction

The introduction of "The Coming Jobs War" sets the stage for a global competition unlike any other. Clifton explains that the battle for good jobs is the primary concern for world leaders. The global shortfall of good jobs, with 3 billion people seeking work and only 1.2 billion formal jobs available, poses a significant threat to societal stability. This lack of employment opportunities could lead to widespread unrest and revolution if not addressed promptly.

What 7 Billion People Want

According to Gallup's extensive research, the most pressing desire for people worldwide is to have a good job. This insight was derived from the Gallup World Poll, which began in 2005 and aims to track global opinions for 100 years. The data reveals that whether people are concerned about the economy, security, or the environment, their primary focus remains on securing employment. Clifton emphasizes that "the desire for a good job is the current will of the world," and leaders must align their policies to meet this demand to ensure their countries' stability and growth.

Joblessness

Clifton identifies joblessness as America's most critical issue, surpassing even healthcare costs and government spending. The lack of good jobs is leading the country towards potential economic decline. He explains that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is heavily reliant on consumer spending, which in turn depends on job creation. When businesses are thriving and hiring, GDP increases, leading to a prosperous economy. Conversely, when jobs are scarce, consumer spending drops, businesses contract, and the economy suffers.

Clifton warns that if America cannot revitalize its job market, it risks losing its economic leadership to countries like China. He stresses the need for immediate action to create good jobs and prevent the nation from "going broke."