Active learning ideas
The future of work is being shaped by remote work, the gig economy, and shifting employee expectations regarding purpose and flexibility. This topic challenges students to predict how these trends will alter traditional management practices. They explore the leadership challenges of managing decentralized teams and the skills required to thrive in a more fluid, project-based economy.
Activity 01
Divide the class into 'Home' and 'Office' groups. They must complete a collaborative task using only digital tools (e.g., a shared doc and chat). Afterward, they discuss the challenges of building trust and clarity without being in the same room.
How has remote work altered traditional management practices?
Activity 02
Students debate the impact of the gig economy on workers. One side argues the benefits of flexibility and entrepreneurship; the other argues the risks of lack of benefits and job insecurity in the Canadian context.
What are the leadership challenges of managing a gig economy workforce?
Activity 03
Students look at a list of current job skills. They pair up to predict which three will be most important in ten years and which three will be obsolete, justifying their choices based on current trends.
What skills will be most important for future business leaders?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Remote work is just 'working from home' and is easier for managers.
Remote work requires much more intentional communication and 'results-based' management rather than 'presence-based' management. Simulations help students see how easy it is for remote workers to feel 'out of the loop.'
The 'Gig Economy' is only for food delivery and ride-sharing.
High-level professionals (consultants, designers, coders) are increasingly part of the gig economy. Researching 'fractional leadership' helps students see how the future of work includes many types of specialized, project-based roles.
Methods used in this brief
Globalization and Diversity
Students explore the impact of globalization on business operations and the importance of managing a diverse workforce. They will analyze how cultural differences affect leadership styles and business practices.
8 methodologies
Technology and Innovation
This topic examines the role of technology in transforming business operations and the importance of fostering a culture of innovation. Students will analyze how leaders manage technological change.
8 methodologies