Can you guys help me on this? Thank you! Here is the question: Is it possible for a country's economy to be based entirely on services?  Here's my classmate's reply: It is technically achievable but difficult for a nation's economy to be completely focused on services. Services are becoming the main economic sector in modern economies, particularly in high-income nations. For instance, services make up more than 75% of GDP in the US and the UK (World Bank, 2020). This covers industries like technology, finance, healthcare, education, and tourism. Rather than manufacturing or agriculture, human capital and knowledge-intensive industries are the main priorities of a service-based economy. A solely service-driven economy would, however, have serious difficulties with regard to trade imbalances, resource availability, and independence.  The fact that services by themselves do not produce tangible things is one of the main challenges. Basic necessities for a nation still include food, energy, and raw materials, all of which are produced by the manufacturing and agricultural industries (Hosseini et al., 2021). In the absence of them, a population dependent on services would have to rely largely on imports to meet their demands. This dependence may put the world at risk, particularly in the event of trade disputes, disruptions in the global supply chain, or diplomatic difficulties. Additionally, not all nations are prepared to transition to a service-dominated economy, especially in developing nations where industry is still a key driver of growth, even if services are necessary in many sectors of the economy. Employment is another problem. Although high-paying occupations can be found in service areas like tech, finance, and education, not all service sectors give a significant number of employment possibilities for a large population. Retail and hospitality are two industries that often offer lower pay and less job stability. According to Baumol (2012), a fully service-based economy runs the risk of escalating income inequality and decreasing customers for upward mobility. In conclusion, a nation may potentially have a service-dominated economy, but it is unlikely that such a model could support a country as a whole. Agriculture and manufacturing are essential to supplying the necessities and stability required for economic adaptability.  In the long run, a balanced economy that incorporates services with other industries would be more rational and long-lasting. Can you provide feedback on my classmate's reply? Thank you!

Understanding Business
12th Edition
ISBN:9781259929434
Author:William Nickels
Publisher:William Nickels
Chapter1: Taking Risks And Making Profits Within The Dynamic Business Environment
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CE
icon
Related questions
Question

Can you guys help me on this? Thank you!

Here is the question:

Is it possible for a country's economy to be based entirely on services? 

Here's my classmate's reply:

It is technically achievable but difficult for a nation's economy to be completely focused on services. Services are becoming the main economic sector in modern economies, particularly in high-income nations. For instance, services make up more than 75% of GDP in the US and the UK (World Bank, 2020). This covers industries like technology, finance, healthcare, education, and tourism. Rather than manufacturing or agriculture, human capital and knowledge-intensive industries are the main priorities of a service-based economy. A solely service-driven economy would, however, have serious difficulties with regard to trade imbalances, resource availability, and independence. 

The fact that services by themselves do not produce tangible things is one of the main challenges. Basic necessities for a nation still include food, energy, and raw materials, all of which are produced by the manufacturing and agricultural industries (Hosseini et al., 2021). In the absence of them, a population dependent on services would have to rely largely on imports to meet their demands. This dependence may put the world at risk, particularly in the event of trade disputes, disruptions in the global supply chain, or diplomatic difficulties. Additionally, not all nations are prepared to transition to a service-dominated economy, especially in developing nations where industry is still a key driver of growth, even if services are necessary in many sectors of the economy.

Employment is another problem. Although high-paying occupations can be found in service areas like tech, finance, and education, not all service sectors give a significant number of employment possibilities for a large population. Retail and hospitality are two industries that often offer lower pay and less job stability. According to Baumol (2012), a fully service-based economy runs the risk of escalating income inequality and decreasing customers for upward mobility.

In conclusion, a nation may potentially have a service-dominated economy, but it is unlikely that such a model could support a country as a whole. Agriculture and manufacturing are essential to supplying the necessities and stability required for economic adaptability.  In the long run, a balanced economy that incorporates services with other industries would be more rational and long-lasting.

Can you provide feedback on my classmate's reply? Thank you!

 

Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Understanding Business
Understanding Business
Management
ISBN:
9781259929434
Author:
William Nickels
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Management (14th Edition)
Management (14th Edition)
Management
ISBN:
9780134527604
Author:
Stephen P. Robbins, Mary A. Coulter
Publisher:
PEARSON
Spreadsheet Modeling & Decision Analysis: A Pract…
Spreadsheet Modeling & Decision Analysis: A Pract…
Management
ISBN:
9781305947412
Author:
Cliff Ragsdale
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Management Information Systems: Managing The Digi…
Management Information Systems: Managing The Digi…
Management
ISBN:
9780135191798
Author:
Kenneth C. Laudon, Jane P. Laudon
Publisher:
PEARSON
Business Essentials (12th Edition) (What's New in…
Business Essentials (12th Edition) (What's New in…
Management
ISBN:
9780134728391
Author:
Ronald J. Ebert, Ricky W. Griffin
Publisher:
PEARSON
Fundamentals of Management (10th Edition)
Fundamentals of Management (10th Edition)
Management
ISBN:
9780134237473
Author:
Stephen P. Robbins, Mary A. Coulter, David A. De Cenzo
Publisher:
PEARSON