The Brain Drain Problem and Countermeasures for Individual Enterprises (Research Paper Sample)

The Brain Drain Problem and Countermeasures for Individual Enterprises Name Institution Affiliation The Brain Drain Problem Brain drain is defined as a country’s problem in losing their skilled and intelligent workers usually to other nations (Bénassy & Brezis, 2013). This problem is especially prevalent in developing countries where the population is littered with a skilled and talented workforce but falls short of employment opportunities. This term was coined as a result of scientists and skilled intellectuals in the 1960s migrating to the United States from Britain to take advantage of their more conducive working climate. Over time, the working conditions and environment in England improved so much that it is now ranked one of the preferred destinations for intellectuals and highly skilled brain drain especially in the medical, engineering, and science fields. This paper discusses the brain drain problem and highlights some of its countermeasures in an individual enterprise. It is perfectly understandable that workers would be willing to move away from their home countries in search of better work prospects. Several reasons are cited for the prevalence of brain drain, especially in developing countries. One of the main reasons is the lack of opportunities and resources to exercise and grow certain skills such as science, certain levels of engineering, and long-term opportunities for innovation (Bénassy & Brezis, 2013). Others include political instability, weak economies, poor management, lack of facilities and resources, lack of growth and promotion prospects, and atrocious working and living conditions. Some of the top reasons cited by workers for looking for work opportunities in other countries include the need to gather experience, better remuneration packages, and a safer working environment. Usually, workers will opt for working conditions that not only need their expertise but that nurture and improve their skill so that they remain relevant in the corporate world. Often, they escape conditions that stifle their talents or cause them to stagnate or regress in their careers. Developing countries are losing the very workers they need to develop. This exodus affects some of the most sensitive sectors of these countries including but not limited to the health sector, the technological industry, and the infrastructure sector (Bénassy & Brezis, 2013). A country that has the resources and facilities to nurture skill is always guaranteed of a thriving economy. The United States is one of the countries that most actively poaches talent from all over the world and uses it to maintain and further a successful economy. This is partly why the United States has for a long time been referred to as the land of opportunity (Carrington & Detragiache, 1999). It allows for innovation and diversity, encouraging creativity and constant growth. In addition to this, well-regulated industry laws and attractive remuneration packages are implemented to protect innovators. The relationship between the country and its workers is mutually beneficial. Countries that lose skilled workers, which in this case refers to countries experiencing the brain drain predicament, lose a lot of potential earnings causing their economies to fester. Usually, as a result of unfavorable working conditions, their citizens end up helping in the progression of developed countries. They leave their countries with unskilled workers, adversely affecting performance and productivity. Counter Measures in Individual Enterprises One of the most significant countermeasures for brain drain is investing in facilities and resources that encourage the use of specific skills. Countries experiencing brain drain must create an environment that is conducive for the growth and nurturance of important development and life skills. These facilities and resources include but are not limited to medical centers, improved infrastructure, better-regulated industries especially in regards to protecting laborers, and better support for innovations. Countries experiencing brain drain lose out on the economic front as potential income is realized by their counterparts. The resultant innovations benefit those countries that poach skilled workers. Creating an environment that not only encourages but also embraces innovation is the first step towards curbing the brain drain phenomenon. It is al...