The terrorists who hijacked and crashed four planes on September 11, 2001, changed the attitudes and behavior of persons throughout the world. But translating this general statement into a more precise assessment of the shortterm and long-term consequences of the assault is more problematic. What will be the economic impact of the current defense mobilization and modernization? And, of particular interest to readers of Perspectives on Work, what effect did September 11 have on workers and their families, employers, and others involved in employment relations?The symposium that follows provides some insight into the answers that are beginning to emerge. Tia Schneider Denenberg and Richard V. Denenberg, moderators of a round table discussion on this topic at the IRRA annual meeting in Atlanta, report that the tragedy may cause workers to seek more meaning in their work and to value family more highly when it comes to balancing work and family matters. They also explain that some jobs are already moving away from urban centers and that ethnic and cultural minorities are likely to face considerable workplace difficulties if patriotism translates into xenophobia.
