This Week's Herman Trend Alert The Consequences of Virtual Meetings

The Herman Trend Alert September 10, 2003 Terrorism Threat Stimulates Industry Growth The horrific events of September 11, 2000, a short two years ago, shocked America and the world. Public and private organizations raced to upgrade security in a new environment of paranoia. At least, the taste of fear that another act of terrorism could happen at any time was new to America. This feeling of constant uncertainty is a way of life in too many places around the world, the most notable being the well-publicized situation in Israel. Citizens of the United States assumed that their country was safe from senseless terrorist attacks. Such behavior is counter to the cultural beliefs in America. The impact of globalization hit hard, with the stunning realization that as the world became smaller, radicals using terrorism as a weapon could too easily penetrate porous borders. The events of two years ago changed the attitude and sense of we-are-safe-here forever. Now, people in practically every country of the world are a little more wary, especially in places like Indonesia and a variety of African countries that had been more concerned with internal strife than external incursion. In response, security has been upgraded substantially in the United States and in other nations. Government buildings are more closely guarded; concrete barriers blockade entrances. Airports have become bastions of security for domestic and international travelers. Border patrols have taken on new meaning and everyone is suspect as national law enforcement agencies seek to control who comes into their countries with the potential for evil. As government agencies and corporations seek ways to become impenetrable, the private sector security industries have grown dramatically. There is a new market for concrete barriers. Manufacturers of surveillance equipment and machines that can screen luggage, briefcases, and humans are as busy as they can be. New technology provides methods for identifying people by facial characteristics or iris identification (see previous Herman Trend Alert at http://www.herman.net/alert/archive_3-31-99.html). Communications systems, computer network upgrades, and other developments are fueling an emerging industry that will enjoy a healthy life for many years to come. Security will become an increasingly important domestic and export industry in many countries. © Copyright 1998- by The Herman Group, Inc. -- reproduction for publication is encouraged, with the following attribution: From "The Herman Trend Alert," by Roger Herman and Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurists. (800) 227-3566 or http://www.hermangroup.com. The Herman Trend Alert is a trademark of The Herman Group, Inc." BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: RETENTION SPECIALIST PROGRAM A growing number of people have expressed an interest in attending our Employee Retention Specialist Certificate Program. We'd like to schedule on that's convenient for those who want to attend, but need your feedback to do so. Please place RETENTION SPECIALIST in the subject line and Joyce will personally call you back to schedule the workshop. Or you can call Joyce directly at 336-210-3548 (PDT this and next week). BUSINESS IS PICKING UP Most employers are unprepared. The recovery will bring a new set of challenges for employers that have been in prolonged contracted mode. They will need more skilled workers or will need now to begin to upskill their current staffs. But organizations can not engage in Strategic Workforce Planning, when they don't know how. That's where The Herman Group can help. We can help you with your "People Review"----large or small---so that you will know who you will need and when you will need them. . . and we can also guide you to the best sources for the people you will need. For more information, call Joyce at 336-210-3548 or e-mail joyce@hermangroup.com. FIND OUT WHAT YOUR EMPLOYEES REALLY THINK AND FEEL Discover what’s really going on in the hearts and minds of your employees. Our InnerViews interviewing service uses SPHRs and PHRs, certified human resource professionals to probe for the information you really need to know. Exit and Stay Interviews, as well as Why-Didn't-You-Take-Our-Offer Interviews. Call Rosalie Catalano at 937-416-7066, or read more at: http://www.hermangroup.com/retentionconnection/exit_interviews.html. Herman Trend Alerts are produced by the Herman Group, strategic business futurists, Certified Management Consultants, authors, and professional speakers. New subscribers are welcome. There is no charge for this public service. The Herman Trend Alert is received by over 30,000 subscribers in 78 countries, in addition to other websites and printed magazines. Do you enjoy receiving this weekly e-mail update? Contact us about our co-branded Trend Alert service. Click here to sign up for the Herman Trend Alert. Subscribe or Unsubscribe to weekly Herman Trend Alert View this week's Herman Trend Alert Archived Weekly Herman Trend Alerts

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