What are Some Functions of the Bureau of Labor Statistics?

Pin It

The functions of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) are important to us all. Each one of these functions is aimed at the ultimate goal of the provision of accurate labor data to the masses. This ultimate mission of the bureau is reached through four individual functions coming together to create this product so greatly needed – accurate job data. Let’s take a deeper look at these chief functions of the BLS and how they come together to create the final product.

Data Gathering

Perhaps the most important function of the Bureau of Labor Statistics is its first function, that of information gathering. Without this raw data, the bureau would be null and void. How does the BLS gather data?

There are many ways the bureau succeeds in this task, but all of these data-collection methods are said to be done through the works of field economists. According to the bureau’s own publication entitled “How We Collect Data,” field economists are sent into the field to collect data from individual employers. The data is then collected and submitted to the agency for analysis and interpretation.

Analyze, Process Data

After the harvest and submission of data by field economists, the bureau must set to work in its next function – analyzing and processing the data received. This is done through following mathematical formulas set out by the bureau. Batches of information are sorted and categorized first. Then, the bureau’s mathematicians and economists all come together to interpret what the collection of data is actually saying. This is also a crucial step in the process as incorrect handling of the data here can bring terribly flawed results.

Develop Data Presentation Methods

It is often overlooked that the actual creation of effective data presentation is a necessary and very big function of BLS as well. After gathering and analyzing the meaning of all data, it must then be expressed in logical format that others can easily understand. Figuring out how to do this is a major function of the bureau in itself.

In many cases, the bureau creates written articles and publications to communicate findings. In other cases, newsletters and public announcements are the chosen communication methods. Charts, graphs, and other visual media options also have their place in the bureau’s presentations of data. In the end, there are a multitude of media methods used in order to convey the bureau’s findings.

Present Findings

The final presentation of the bureau’s findings takes place in two different forums: government and public. On the government side, special releases are given to specific requesting parties within the government. On the public side, a more varied approach in presentation takes place. With many of the presentation methods stated above, the bureau’s website systematically refreshes itself with volumes of new information for all to see. Outside of website communications, publications are made available to anyone, from social service agencies to public library facilities. This final function of information presentation by the bureau concludes the four-step process and remains ongoing until new communications become available.

The BLS is responsible for keeping us all current with nationwide information on the job market. This formidable mission is completed each year because of the bureau’s use of combined functions in creating a final, comprehensive, informational product.

See also: 15 Best Value Online Human Resource Management Degree Programs

Pin It