Society's Stake—and Responsibility for Allocating Manpower

The institution by which the United States society places men and women of various competences in jobs will have to be greatly increased in efficiency if the society is adequately to utilize rich manpower resources. In an expand ing and technological economy, rich in manpower resources, productivity depends in considerable part on the efficiency of placement institutions. Our philosophical concern with the freedom of individual job choice and our acceptance of the laissez-faire assumption that all workers are adequately in formed to make that choice in their best interest adds to the importance of these institutions. Many workers find jobs "on their own" or through parents or relatives. These means pro vide little information as to alternative opportunities or the capabilities of the individual for the particular job. Seven other institutions distribute workers among jobs. The need is for the appraisal of the utility of each and the gradual stimula tion of more effective placement institutions. This need is of prime importance in a technological society demanding a wide range of competences and in one marked by persistent employ ment.