Final answer:
Polarization is the practice where the differences between low-end and high-end jobs become greater and the number of people in the middle levels decreases. Job enrichment, by adding planning tasks, can be a solution to counteract the effects of job polarization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The practice where the differences between low-end and high-end jobs becomes greater and the number of people in the middle levels decreases is called polarization. This occurs when there is a significant increase in the demand for highly skilled workers and a decrease in the demand for middle-skilled workers, leading to a widening gap between the two.
An example of polarization can be seen in the rise of automation and advanced technologies, which have led to the automation of many low-skilled jobs, while high-skilled jobs requiring specialized knowledge and expertise are in greater demand.
In this scenario, job enrichment can be seen as a potential solution, as it involves increasing the level of responsibility and autonomy in a job. By adding planning tasks, employees have more control and involvement in their work, which can help counteract the negative effects of job polarization.