"As the former Department Chair of Professional Studies at California State University, Long Beach, I had the privilege of overseeing the largest Workforce Education department on the West Coast. My tenure involved a critical task: expanding our department's reach, even as we successfully recruited nearly 2,000 adult learners. One of the strategies we employed to increase our Full-Time Equivalent Students (FTES) was to develop innovative General Education courses. Among these, "Working Around the World" was one of three new courses I designed to address the evolving needs of our diverse student body.

Despite our efforts, finding a suitable textbook for this course proved challenging. We needed a resource that could comprehensively address the complexities of work in a global context, encompassing diverse cultural, economic, and social perspectives. It is with great enthusiasm that I introduce Dr. Viktor Wang’s edited volume, which I believe serves as the definitive textbook for this course. This volume represents a significant contribution to our understanding of global work dynamics.

The chapters within this book offer invaluable insights into various dimensions of work, from its implications in a global society to the impacts of multicultural diversity, technological advancements, and the effects of climate on work attitudes. Each chapter, meticulously crafted by leading experts, explores critical themes such as the evolution of gender-specific occupations, the interplay between work and societal values, and the challenges posed by immigration and migration. By examining work through these diverse lenses, the book not only addresses historical and contemporary issues but also provides a forward-looking perspective on the future of work in a rapidly changing world.

Dr. Wang's volume stands out not only for its comprehensive coverage but also for its ability to synthesize complex information into accessible and engaging content. This book will undoubtedly become an essential resource for students, educators, and professionals alike, offering a deep understanding of the global workforce's multifaceted nature. I hope that this textbook will inspire further exploration and discussion, fostering a more inclusive and informed approach to understanding work in our interconnected world.

I am delighted to see this volume come to fruition and am confident that it will greatly enhance the learning experience for those studying the global dimensions of work. Dr. Wang and his contributors have provided us with a remarkable tool for navigating the complexities of work in a global society, and I am honored to commend it as a significant academic resource."
Dr. Paul A. Bott
Department Chair/Professor Emeritus of Professional Studies California State University, Long Beach, USA

"In an era of unprecedented global connectivity, the concept of a "global village" has become more relevant than ever. As a distinguished professor of education at Penn State University, USA, I have had the privilege of delivering training on every continent. This international exposure has underscored a critical realization: preparing our students for the global workforce requires cultivating their perceptions of work long before they enter the professional world. With nearly 9 million Americans living abroad and over 45 million foreign-born residents in the United States as of 2021, the diversity of our societies is reshaping the workforce landscape.

The metaphor of the United States as a "tossed salad"—where each ingredient retains its uniqueness—aptly captures the multicultural fabric of our society, contrasting the older "melting pot" concept. This analogy underscores the importance of preserving distinct cultural identities while promoting integration. In our globalized society, students must understand how religion, language, culture, politics, economics, and the environment shape work and workplace perceptions worldwide.

I am thrilled to introduce Work and Society, edited by Dr. Viktor Wang. This comprehensive volume is designed as a definitive textbook for the course Working Around the World. It addresses the intricate and multifaceted nature of work in a global context, filling a significant gap in the literature.

Each chapter of this book provides a valuable perspective on work in modern society. Chapter 1, Work and Its Implications in a Global Society, explores the transformative effects of technology, globalization, and evolving economic landscapes on work across various cultures, shedding light on the complex ethical and social dimensions of work today.

Chapter 2, Multicultural Diversity and Its Implications in the Global Workforce, delves into the importance of fostering diversity in the workplace, highlighting both the challenges and benefits of a multicultural workforce. It outlines strategies to enhance communication and collaboration across cultures to boost innovation and competitiveness.

In Chapter 3, The Cultural and Social Status of Jobs, the author discusses how different societies assign prestige to occupations, analyzing the impact on social mobility and economic inequality. This chapter offers critical insights into promoting equity and respect for all professions in the workplace.

Chapter 4, Working in Modernity: Similarities and Differences between Work and Society in the United States and Other Countries, provides a comparative analysis of work practices in various countries, emphasizing the influence of modernity on global labor markets.

Chapter 5, Work under Democratic Capitalism, Dictatorship, Islamic Fundamentalism, and Socialism, takes a deep dive into how different political and economic systems shape work, labor rights, and social dynamics, highlighting the diverse global perspectives on work.

The Effects of Immigration and Migration on Work, covered in Chapter 6, investigates the complex effects of migration on labor markets and socio-political dynamics in the U.S., Mexico, China, and other countries, offering a comparative lens on how immigration policies shape the workforce.

Chapter 7, The Effects of Climate on People’s Attitudes Toward Work, examines how environmental factors and climate variations impact job satisfaction and performance, proposing strategies for organizations to mitigate these effects.

Chapter 8, Work and the Socio-Economic Structure of Ireland, presents a critical analysis of Ireland's historical and contemporary labor market, highlighting the impact of emigration, economic shifts, and cultural transformations on the workforce.

Chapters 9 and 10 offer fascinating insights into the evolution of gender-specific occupations and the influence of art, music, and religion on workplace practices. These chapters showcase how cultural norms, economic shifts, and creative practices shape workplace dynamics and influence gender roles across various societies.

In Chapter 11, The Nature of Work in Australia and Its Implications, the book examines the unique characteristics of the Australian labor market, focusing on the future of work in the face of digitalization, artificial intelligence, and the gig economy.

Finally, Chapter 12, Ethical Work Practices, underscores the role of employers in fostering ethical leadership and creating work environments that promote a healthy work ethic, a critical aspect of preparing individuals for the challenges of the 21st-century workforce.

Work and Society is an essential resource for educators, students, and practitioners seeking to understand the complexities of work in our interconnected world. It offers a comprehensive framework for examining the cultural, economic, and social factors that shape the modern workplace and provides the tools necessary for navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead."
William Rothwell, Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor of Education Penn State University, USA