Division of labour

The Division of Labour goes hand in hand with the civilisational growth of humanity. Humans progressed and innovated from hunter-gatherer societies to post-capitalism due to the fundamental doctrine of classified specialisation and division of labour. Classified specialisation refers to categorising tasks according to individual skills and knowledge so that the most qualified individual carries out each task. In the global economy, nations that couldn’t specialise and maintain the hierarchical structure of decentralised division of labour became irrelevant. It has become increasingly important to have specialised knowledge and an innovative division of labour in the age of interconnected economies because these skills contribute significantly to the organisation, innovation and production of complex societies today.

The origin of the division of labour can be traced back to the beginning of human existence. In early societies, tasks were divided into categories based on personal skills and knowledge. Some were hunters, others gatherers. As society evolved, so did divided labour, which adapted to support larger populations. The advent of the agricultural system brought about a shift in tasks and expectations. Planting, harvesting and domesticating animals emerged as different categories, and individuals with diverse potentials divided themselves into performing these processes through their expert knowledge. This cultural change contributed to the circulation of economies, and human civilisation encountered different skills, ideas and inventions, leading to the creation and production of new modes of production.

Unprecedented growth in the last few centuries resulted from the division of labour. Division of labour introduces humans to efficiency by ensuring quality performance. The specialisation and division of labour drive innovation because individuals strive for better techniques to accomplish their tasks.

Pakistan has been stagnant in terms of social and economic growth for a long time. The invisible fact is that we still need to develop an efficient and sustainable division of labour. For example, in our country, most people need help to use their specialised potential for performance and are utilised in tasks that are not meant for them. This process brings inertia to innovation and economic activity. However, when the division of labour is implemented correctly, it can lead to significant economic growth. As an example, a farmer with specific knowledge and classified in the specialised division of labour of agriculture can significantly increase crop productivity, thereby ensuring the food security of Pakistan.

Recently, the Pakistani cricket team was defeated in the T20 World Cup. This defeat can be attributed to the team’s failure to adhere to the principles of division of labour. Many of our cricketers serve as political commentators, part-time celebrities and other position holders masked in society. This is acceptable in terms of diversity. Still, this kind of social performance overloads them cognitively, and they are distracted from doing actual work like vigorous dietary and nutrition regulations, training and following perfect sleeping patterns to ensure their continuous pace of performance on the ground. Here, the idea of division of labour should be followed strictly. If they strictly follow the ideals of cricket and training, they will eventually perform at their best. In our country, we are everything at any time, from social media influencers to opinion makers. By not regulating division of labour, we distract ourselves from advancing our economies to international standards.

Pakistan must focus on promoting the division of labour. The next age is the age of renewable energy, disruptive technologies, artificial intelligence and biotechnology. All these fields rely on specialised knowledge. Are we ready to contribute to all these fields by developing a specialised labour force to invest in them?