This is interesting, Harold--I would argue that perhaps one of the most dysfunctional facts about this list is that several of these items are within individual people's power to change and control, including creating communities of practice, having time for reflection, and accessing professional development.

What strikes me is the fundamental sense of disempowerment in the workplace that suggests that people are essentially at the mercy of the companies they work for. While obviously there's some truth to this, especially in an economic downturn, I still believe that people have far more control over these issues than they believe. One of my main goals in working with people on integrating social media and professional development is to point out how empowering it is to take control of your own learning by starting a blog and pursuing DIY professional development. If the will is there, the means certainly exist.