Earlier this morning, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the unemployment rate has risen to 9.8% \u2013 the highest rate since 1983.<\/p>\n
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I believe that there are implications in the purchasing profession. Specifically in the service sector.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s what I\u2019m thinking (keep in mind I\u2019m making generalizations here, so don\u2019t be offended if you don\u2019t fit the stereotype)\u2026<\/p>\n
Traditionally, purchasing leaders in the manufacturing industry have preferred to stay in the manufacturing industry. This is generally because purchased goods and services are more directly related to the core competency of the organization when compared to service industries, so purchasing feels more strategic.<\/p>\n
Also, many service industry purchasing professionals have the bad habit of shutting out purchasing concepts that they feel are specific to manufacturing. I\u2019ve witnessed many occasions where a service industry purchaser would be presented with an idea and would say \u201cWell, that\u2019s a manufacturing principle, so it doesn\u2019t apply to us\u201d rather than putting just a little thought into how the principle could be adapted for success in a service industry.<\/p>\n
But I think that this is about to change.<\/p>\n
While, in a healthy economy, manufacturing purchasing leaders would remain in manufacturing, with 10% unemployment, they can\u2019t be so choosy. So we will probably see the service industry infused with manufacturing purchasing talent as the economy slowly recovers.<\/p>\n
When these manufacturing purchasing leaders go to a service industry, they will be bringing their toolbox full of manufacturing purchasing practices with them. And the \u201cthat doesn\u2019t apply to us\u201d excuse won\u2019t be so well-received by the leader.<\/p>\n
This is a good thing. The service industry has needed a shot in the arm with some more advanced purchasing practices. I believe that high unemployment and a soon-to-be-recovering economy creates the conditions that will facilitate just that.<\/p>\n
So, if you\u2019re a service-industry purchasing professional, my advice would be to start having an open mind right now. You are about to be exposed to some different approaches and you should embrace them.<\/p>\n
Your organization and your career stand to benefit.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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