logo of UPM against Poverty

Un(der)employed People's Movement
against Poverty Inc.

PO BOX 485
Brooklyn Park SA 5032

Phone:(08) 8352 4950         Fax: (08) 8346 9288

E-mail: mobak@ozemail.com.au

What you will find on this page:

What is Segmentation?
Introduction

How to answer questions in Centrelink's Job seekers questionnaires

What kind of unemployed person are you?

Behaviour change model

What kind of service do you want?

How to get the services you need from the Job Network Providers: Choose your segment and endure the consequences

 

Take a look at this month's additions to the Sleuth 

Click here to access our  previous newsletters:

 UpWords 1 No. 1:
 What is Breaching

 UpWords 1 No. 2:
 Young Poor under Attack

 UpWords 1 No. 3:
 Frog Boiling;

 UpWords1 No. 4::
 Welfare Reform;

 UpWords1 No. 5:
 S11;

 UpWords1 No. 6:
 History of Unemployed Movements,
 Homelessness

 Up-Words No. 7:
 Launch of UPM/Latest Breaching  Statistics

 UpWords1 No 8:
 Open Letter to Minister Amanda  Vanstone

 UpWords2 No 1:
  Millionaires' Coup for Govenrment
 Centrelink Officiouisness hurts us  all

 UpWords2 No 2:
  Big Brother is watching you!
  Work for the Dole is not working

 UpWords2 No 3:
 Globalisation - the Excessive   Wealth Disease?

 UpWords2 No 4:
 Is Howard a Communist?
 Mal Brough, Minister for  Compassionate Employment  Figure Fudging

 UpWords2 No 5
 Benefits 37% below poverty line
 May Day protests worldwide

UpWords2 No 6:
The Permanently Alienated Underclass Speaks UP!
The Budget for the Unemployed
Views from the Coal Face

UpWords 2 No 7
Criminalisation of Poverty
Job Network is not working - from rorts to incompetence

UpWords 2 No 8 
Work for the Dole can kill!
National Coalition against Poverty Petition
Post card campaign
Poet's Corner:
Views on Unemployment

UpWords 2 No 9 
UPM joins Ranks for Peace
International Day for the
Eradication of Poverty
Unemployed Treated Worse Than Criminals!

UpWords 2 No 10
Election 2001: UPM's How to Vote Card
Annual General Meeting
How much longer?

Up-Words Vol. 2 No 11
Not Drowning - Just Looking for Work
Election Aftermath: ALP Awake!
Human Rights Day Picnic
AGM

For Volume 3 go to

Up-Words Home

Come to our Meetings
on the last Tuesday of the month,
5:30 – 7 pm
at the World's End
Hindley Street West, Adelaide.

Join UPM against Poverty
as a member!

Copy the membership form here!

PO Box 485
Brooklyn Park SA 5032

Phone (08) 8352 4950

UPM against Poverty Inc. meets every last Tuesday of the month at the WorldsEnd, Hindley Street West in Adelaide

Join us, but call if you want to attend to make sure that the venue is available!

 

 

So what are you?

Quantifying the Segments

The table below shows the percentage of the job seeker population estimated to be in each of the eight segments.

  1. Drivers              16% motivated, active, confident, unlimited
  2. Struggling           8% not confident, active
  3. Drifting              13% compliant, not confident, motivated
  4. Disempowered 15% motivated, not confident, limited
  5. Selectives           7% compliant, motivated, limited, waiting for THE JOB
  6. Dependents      12% compliant, not confident, but motivated
  7. Cruising            16% compliant, not motivated, limited
  8. Withdrawn        13%   not confident, de-motivated, limited

 

 

 

 

From the Report:

Behaviour Change Stages

"A number of behaviour change models have been proposed. One such classification adapted from Prochaskau and Di Clemente (1992) describes the stages of behaviour change as:

Precontemplation: people do not think about whether their behaviour is appropriate for them at this point in their lives. People in this stage require more information and education.

Contemplation: people are actively thinking about and evaluating recommended behaviours. People at this stage will change if they can see the increased benefits associated with behaviour change as well as a decrease in costs of changing from current behaviour.

Action: people are exhibiting the behaviour for the first time. At this stage people need support and reassurance from influential others in their lives and to see reward for their actions.

Maintenance: people are committed to the behaviour and have no desire/intention to return to earlier behaviour. These people need their behaviour change to be maintained.

Success in influencing behaviour change will be dependent on which stage of the behaviour change model the individual is at, and the application of the appropriate response. The individual's stage of behaviour change can be determined by investigating the attitudes of the individual."

Colmar Brunton Social Research

How to get what you want from the Job Network

Information about segmentation, cruisers and behaviour modification

Information about the way Centrelink and the Job Network will determine your needs in the future and deliver services

May 2002

For more information and assistance with Centrelink payments and decisions see the website of the National Welfare Rights Centre at http://www.welfarerights.org.au/ (note you will exit this site. Come back with the back arrow on your browser.)

And also our booklet :Trouble with Centrelink Payments?

Introduction:

At the end of May 2002 after the threat of the Australian Labor Party and the Democrats to prevent the suggested changes to the Disability Support Pension a Report emerged. Minister Brough declared another government 'crack-down' on the so-called 'Cruisers', those who actually enjoy being unemployed.

This information was succeeded by rumors of a new payment system, one base payment and additional participation payments or payments for the cost of disability and raising children. On Sunday 26 May, Minister Vanstone was interviewed by Channel 7 and stated that some people on the new payment system may be worse off than they are now.

While there are many questions about this new payment system, all these news are related. We have a new test to identify motivation and selectivity levels of job seekers, the report suggested appropriate interventions to change people from the less desireable segments to 'better behaviour', behaviour, which indicates high motivation and willingness to take any job.

We can assume that payment levels may be adjusted to your level of participation in job search activities etc. Here is the link to the future payment system. These reporting and research methods will become a common feature, they have been introduced a few years ago in New Zealand, although with slightly different segments.

The researchers of this report hope to establish longitudinal studies, which means they will ask the same job seekers the same questions over and over again, hidden among other questions and maybe slightly reworded, to assess whether job seekers attitudes have shifted, thanks to government intervention, over time. If you have been interviewed or had to fill in a questionnaire you may receive a follow up.

With the test on this web page you can assess for yourself if you are improving! Even better, you can always achieve the result you want to achieve. All you need to do is read through the test a few times and the results and see what kind of unemployed person you are. Train and learn to become a better person, you will save the tax payer a lot of money.

Let's surprise them and co-operate. Let's show them that the majority of the job seekers are drivers, active and keen to look for jobs, so they have to put their behaviour modification models to rest.

All you need to do is to answer the following questions according to your need. Not only do these questions and your answers indicate what segment you as an unemployed belong to, they also tell Centrelink what services you need.

So you can manipulate the answers in accordance with your needs.

Take the test!

Segmentation Test: What kind of unemployed are you?

The following are statements other unemployed people have made.

On a score between 1 - 10 how much do you agree with these statements? 1 indicates you do not agree at all, 5 you only agree half, and 10 points you absolutely agree with it.

The first box contains a scroll menu for you to give your points and the scroll menu box underneath with the question mark will give you the correct answer, once you have made your choice. The correct answers in the second box will turn anyone into a driver!

1. You already know how to look for a job
2. You do not know what sort of job you want
3. You would rather be unemployed than take a job you don't like

4. You feel totally comfortable applying for jobs and going for interviews

5. You do more than the average unemployed person to try to find work

6. You have been trying new ways to find a job
7. You don't think you should have to do paid work at the moment
8. You don't think any employer would want to employ you
9. You really want to work
10. You are doing everything you can but it's hard to get a job
11. You have a lot of confidence in yourself and your skills and abilities
12. You think you need more skills, education or training to get the right job for you
13. You can't be bothered looking for a job
14. You need a lot of help to find a job
15. You know that you will find a job soon
16. You have been applying for lots of jobs recently
17. You know that you will find the right job eventually
18. You believe you should not have to look for work
19. You would take just about any reasonable job at the moment
20. You have recently been knocking on doors or phoning employers yourself
21. You don't mind being unemployed because it gives you time to spend with your family and friends

Here comes your result:

If you have between 8 -10 points for statements 6, 9, 11, 15 you are a
Motivated job seeker (gives you peace)

Your score for questions 6, 9, 11, and 15 combined:        
You are highly motivated if you have above 32 points and do not need to improve your attitude, just remmeber it when you need it, for example before you attend your Job Network Provider or Centrelink.

If you want to give the impression to be motivated agree highly (more than 8 points) with the following statements

  • You have been trying new ways to find a job;
  • You really want to work;
  • You have a lot of confidence in yourself and your skills and abilities; and
  • You know that you will find a job soon.

You will not receive much help, but you will be encouraged and left in peace.

If you have between 1- 5 points (or under 20 points) for statements 6, 9, 11, 15 (above)
and between 7-10 points for statements 7, 8, 13, 18, 21 each, you are a
De-motivated job seeker

Your score for questions 7, 8, 13, 18 and 21 combined:        
Between 41 and 50 you give the impression of seriously de-motivated

If you do not want to give the impression of being demotivated,

give low points/disagree with the following statements:

  • You don't think you should have to do paid work at the moment;
  • You don't think any employer would want to employ you;
  • You don't mind being unemployed because it gives you time to spend with your family and friends;
  • You believe you should not have to look for work; and
  • You can't be bothered looking for a job.


If you have 7 - 10 points for statements 4, 5, 6, (above)
you are an
Unlimited job seeker, which gives you good points

Your score for questions 4, 5 and 6 combined:        
Between 21 and 30 you give the impression of being unlimited in your search, which means you are not selective about what kind of job you are willing to take.

Being motivated and unlimited is about the best attitude according to Centrelink and the Department for Employment and Workplace Relations

If you do want to give the impression of being unlimited in your choice give high points/agree with the following statements:

  • You feel totally comfortable applying for jobs and going for interviews;
  • You do more than the average unemployed person to try to find work;
  • You have been trying new ways to find a job

If you have between 1- 5 points (or under 20 points) for statements 4,5 and 6 (above)
and between 7-10 points for statements 1, 3, 7 each, you are a
Limited job seeker

Your score for questions 1, 3, 7 combined:        

Between 21 and 30 you give the impression of being seriously limited in your choice of accepting job offers

If you do not want to give the impression of being limited, give low points/disagree with the following statements:

  • You already know how to look for a job;
  • You would rather be unemployed than take a job you don't like; and
  • You don't think you should have to do paid work at the moment.

If you are a job seeker who wants 'the job' you are more likely to agree with statements 3, do not agree with:

  • You would rather be unemployed than take a job you don't like;

If you are a job seeker who will take 'any job' you will give low points/disagree with the statement above and are more likely to agree with statement 19:

  • You would take just about any reasonable job at the moment

If you have between 7 - 10 points for statements 5, 6, 10, 16 and 20 (above)
you are an
Active job seeker (you have to be an active job seeker!)

Your score for questions 5, 6, 10, 16 and 20 combined:        
Between 41 and 50 you give the impression of being an active jobseeker

If you do want to give this impression give high points/agree with the following statements:

  • You do more than the average unemployed person to try to find work;
  • You have been trying new ways to find a job;
  • You are doing everything you can but it's hard to get a job;
  • You have recently been knocking on doors or phoning employers yourself;
  • You have been applying for lots of jobs recently.

If you have between 1- 5 points (or under 20 points) for statements 5, 6, 10, 16, and 20 (above)
and between 7-10 points for statement 13, you are a
Complying job seeker (someone who just pretends to look for jobs)

Your score for questions 5, 6, 10, 16 and 20 combined:        
Between 5 and 25 you give the impression of being a complying job seeker, someone who just pretends to look for a job and does the minimum necessary to comply

If you do not want to give the impression of being compliant, give low points/disagree with the following statement:

  • You can't be bothered looking for a job.

If you have between above 7 points for statement 17 (above) you are a
Confident job seeker

Confident job seekers are more likely to agree with the statement:

  • You know you will find the right job eventually;

If you have between above 7 points for statements 12 and 14 (above) you are a considered a
NOT Confident job seeker

Not Confident job seekers are more likely to agree with the statement:

  • You need a lot of help to find a job; and
  • You think you need more skills, education or training to get the right job for you

What kind of service do you want? What do you need?

This model of looking at the unemployed as a herd of cattle with different temperaments, and then applying stick and carrot to see if they can acquire the right behaviour is called a social marketing assessment tool. It is suggested that it will be integrated into a Social Marketing Framework, which uses this test as a basis to assess what kind of service someone needs.

So if you feel you need a bit more training in getting a job and writing your resumee, you give higher points/agree more (let's say, give it 8 or 9) and you will be assessed as 'not confident', which will lead to a job search training course.

If you do not want any service apart from a bit of encouragement, work hard on your applications, be dilligent in filling in your forms and handing them in on time and appear confident, motivated and enthusiastic about finding a job. We have some innovative ideas about job search and resume designs, which will soon be available on our web site.

The Colmar Brunton report describes the usefulness of the segmentation tool (the test) as follows:

"In addition to individual strategies to encourage job seekers to maintain or adopt active job seeking behaviour, this research has identified the key factors that could be used by DEWR to facilitate behaviour change amongst job seekers at a macro level. The framework provided by Alan R Andreason provides an approach to effecting change through social marketing."

Changing Job Seeker Behaviour - A Social Marketing Framework

Change in Behaviour
(info about Behaviour Stages)		 Description (info about test results see links in this column) Segment
 (info about Segments)

Strategy
(comments in brackets and in italic are comments from UPM)

From Pre-Contemplation to Contemplation

Job seekers at pre-contemplation generally do not want to work or do not feel like they are able to work, and are not actively looking for work for a variety of reasons.

They either:

  • Are not aware of the benefits to them of looking for work and working; or
  • Do not believe job searching/working is relevant to or appropriate for them.

Cruisers

Withdrawn

Communicate the benefits to them of working (and looking for work); and (Centrelink and personal case manager pep talks)

Show that job seekers like them can effectively job search and find work.
(Wonder how they will manage that?)

Service Needs
Cruisers:
They need a service which educates them about the benefits of working, increases motivation to find work and helps identify goals. These job seekers also need rigorous and regular follow up to ensure they meet their mutual obligations. (breaching, Work for the Dole)

Withdrawn:
They need a service which offers support and encouragement and listens to the circumstance of the individual. These job seekers may need intensive counselling or medical services before being able to attempt any job search activity. They need to be in a position to be able to work and feel confident in themselves that they are able to work. If they are unable to work, they need to be reassessed and placed on a more appropriate allowance. (Personal Support Program)
From Contemplation to Action Job seekers at Contemplation are those who want to work but are not actively looking for work.

Disempowered

Service Needs

They first need to believe that getting a job is achievable, relevant and desirable. They may need intensive confidence and self esteem building to regain hope, motivation and improved self-image. Once their belief that they can work is re-established, they need guidance and direction about work options and will likely need assistance back into the workforce such as work experience and continued post placement support.

and Drifting

Service Needs:
They need assistance in identifying employment goals and learning job search methods. These job seekers need the positive influence of others to lead them to the understanding of the benefits of working and to lessen the barriers to employment. They will benefit from structured pathways such as apprenticeships or vocational training or group job search which make it easier for them to enter into employment.

With direction, support, and exposure to a wider range of job search methods, they will move into the Action stage of active and motivated job search.

Increase the benefits (perceived positive consequences) of job search and finding work. These include;
o Increased self esteem and self worth;
o Self respect and the respect of others;
o Being accepted by their family, friends, peers and society;
o Contributing to society; (Work for the Dole)
o Being able to plan for the future and achieve financial security;
o Being able to achieve a better standard and quality of life;
o Being able to provide for self, family and children's needs;
o Meeting new people and making new friends and contacts; and
o Being able to have a life not merely an existence. (So always pretend you are merely exisitng on the dole!)

Decrease the costs (perceived negative consequences) of job search and finding work. These include;
o Loss of leisure time/lifestyle choice; (Holidays for the unemployed?)
o Loss of family time;
o Loss of secure income from the unemployment benefit;
o Earning less in wages than the unemployment benefit; (lesser benefits or higher income? Guess what...)
o Loss of health/ other social benefits;
o Loss of exemption from child support/alimony; and
o Additional expenses such as lunch, clothes, public transport. (transport allowances for newly employed?)

Use influential others (Government agencies, Job Network agencies, family and friends, employers) to encourage job search; and (Oh,Oh, watch your privacy! Good opportunity to breach!))

Increase self-efficacy i.e. make it easy for job seekers to look for work by over-coming barriers such as;
o Lack of confidence and self esteem;
o Not knowing what sort of job they want; (tell'em!)
o Not being aware of job searching techniques and processes, or how to implement them successfully to find a job; (job search training)
o Lack of education, skills, training or experience;
o Absence from labour market for an extended period of time; (work experience)
o Criminal or bad work record; (hide it)
o Drug or alcohol issues; (give it up!)
o Age barriers; (pretend you are younger)
o Geographical distances to jobs and not having transport; (will they buy us a car, or will we have to move?)
o Lack of jobs in the area; and
o Not being able to find affordable and safe childcare
From Action to Maintenance Job seekers at the Action stage of behaviour want to work and are actively looking for work.

Struggling job seekers,

Dependents

Selectives

The strategy required to encourage these job seekers to maintain/increase their job search activity is to reward them for their job search activity and ensure that they receive the benefits they seek.

Service Needs
Strugglers: Increase levels of confidence to maintain motivation and widen job search methods;

Dependents:They need education and support to maintain motivation and increase self-confidence as well as increase openness about the type of job and job search activities acceptable to them. They need a service which helps them identify the stepping stones to achieving their goals

Selectives: Maintain level of motivation and educate about labour market opportunities to increase openness
To maintain activity levels want to work and are actively looking for work Drivers

These job seekers require help to maintain their levels of motivation and openness.

Their service needs centre around maintaining their motivation levels through encouragement and acknowledgement and reward for their actions. They may also benefit from advice on the more effective job search techniques and access to resources such as job information and equipment to assist with job seeking such as faxes, phones etc

Colmar Brunton Social Research

 

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