LETTERS: The International Labour Organisation reported that the global unemployment rate in 2022 is higher than in the past two years.
The rising global unemployment rate is a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, there has also been a labour shortage in some industries.
A labour shortage is caused by many factors, such as the lack of skilled workers or the retirement of Baby Boomers. Even though there is a labour shortage in some fields, not many people are taking up these jobs.
For instance, the number of nurses is insufficient to meet current and future demands, especially if there is a global outbreak of infectious diseases. But many men may not choose a career in nursing due to cultural beliefs about gender.
According to some studies, labour shortages in some fields can be linked to cultural beliefs about gender, which include gender stereotypes and gender role attitudes.
For instance, women are often viewed as passive, while men are often viewed as active and rational in decision-making. Gender stereotyping exists in some occupations, such as in technology and engineering, where men are perceived as more qualified than women.
Besides that, an individual's career choice can also be affected by gender role attitudes that are based on the roles men and women "should" play in society. Some occupations are considered to be for men only or for women only.
Being a nurse is seen as an appropriate career for women. Conversely, being a doctor is considered a suitable career for men.
In reality, nurses and doctors play similar roles in healthcare.
But due to cultural beliefs about gender, men may not choose to become a nurse although jobs are available in nursing.
Companies should select the best candidate for the job and hire employees who have the required knowledge, skills and attitudes, without gender bias.
To achieve long-term career success, people should make career decisions based on their competencies. Gender stereotypes and gender role attitudes should be eliminated.
Having the right competencies will help employees remain employable and successful at their job.
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR DR PHATHARA-ON WESARAT
Head of the Bachelor of Business Administration Programme, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prince of Songkla University (Pattani Campus), Thailand
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times