FAT AND MEAN: The Corporate Squeeze of Working Americans and the Myth of Managerial "Downsizing"

Amazon.com

Among the God-given liberties of Americans is the right to blast governmental bureaucracy. It is now in particular vogue to blame a bloated government for most national problems. But there is another bureaucracy equally as damaging or worse, argues David M. Gordon, a professor at the New York School for Social Research in New York, who died in March at age 51. He contends that a huge inefficient bureaucracy of corporate bosses hoards a disproportionate share of the national income at the expense of the people who are doing the real work and, in turn, leads to conflict and tension. Gordon provides a wealth of statistical evidence to support this theory.

Book Description

Since the early 1980s, economic experts have recommended "downsizing" as the best way for U.S. corporations to remain competitive. Reducing unnecessary staff would lower costs, increase profits, and transform these companies into lean, mean production machines. As many American businesses pursued this strategy—often in the wake of mergers and acquisitions that left them with an unwieldy layer of middle management—and raised their bottom line, it seemed the experts were right. Yet as David M. Gordon shows in this iconoclastic book, most of them have really only gone halfway. They are "mean," but far from lean.

Tracing the overall employment patterns of the past decade, Gordon shows that most American companies actually employ more managers and supervisors than ever before. These ever-increasing functionaries control company payrolls and pay themselves generous salaries—at the expense of average workers. For despite a steadily growing economy the real wages of the American worker have been falling for the past 20 years. To explain this decline and the much-debated "wage gap" that resulted, pundits and professors invoke various causes ranging from the flow of production jobs overseas to the average worker's lack of the technological skills needed in today's "knowledge economy." But Gordon exposes the single greatest factor in this decline, a corporate strategy that penalizes line workers and hinders businesses from competing effectively in world markets: the simultaneous overstaffing of management hierarchies and the inadequate compensation of workers.

Instead of sharing profits with their employees, thus encouraging them to work harder, management has more often opted to prod workers by instilling fear of layoffs. Gordon unerringly plots the shortsighted and disastrous course of U.S. corporations, and documents the tremendous social and personal costs to their employees. Yet in addition to telling the harsh truth about downsizing, he suggests policies to ensure fairer business practices. Wages can increase— indeed, they must—as the economy begins to perform more efficiency.

U.S. corporations have become fat and mean. They need to become lean and decent—not just for the sake of their workers, but for the sake of their competitive advantage. This provocative and original book shows how they can.

Customer Reviews:

Missed opportunity.......2004-12-30

If corporate America is as bloated, inefficient, and hopeless as the author suggests, why not seize upon this opportunity to start your own business? Instead of an author teaching us how to cry he should stimulate his readers to take advantage of this company shortsightedness and create their own efficient, profitable, and exciting businesses. I know that this is a harder task than to just sit back and whine but such a skill makes the difference between a truly innovative book and one merely soaked with the reader's tears. Compare this book to "The Art of the Start" by Guy Kawasaki or "Hoover's Vision" by Gary Hoover. And remember Churchill's admonition: "The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."

Insight into why bureaucracies are so hopelessly unmanageable can be gleaned from reading "The Excuse Factory - How Employment Law is Paralyzing the American Workplace" by Walter K. Olsen. Furthermore to learn how to avoid making the same missteps (that large entities commit) in your own company read "Every Mistake in the Book" by F J Lennon and "Whoever Makes the Most Mistakes Wins" by Richard Farson and Ralph Keyes. Regarding large corporations, c.f., "The Rule of Three" by Jagdish Sheth and Rajendra Sisodia or "The Profit Zone" by Adrian J Slywotzky and David J Morrison.

Be skeptical of glowing 5-star reviews from critics who find absolutely no fault with the books they are reviewing. "Before reading xxxx I knew absolutely nothing but after devouring this paragon of perfection I am now totally conversant with the subject of yyyy."

Powerful book.......1999-05-15

This was David Gordon's last book, as he was unfortunately felled shortly after its release by an untimely heart attack. The depth of scholarship and passion this man brought to "Fat and Mean" makes his passing especially sad. Gordon's book exhibits his twin strengths of intellectual acumen and the ability to write plainly, without much jargon.

Gordon's book should be read by partisans of both right and left, mostly because the typical book (ideological orientation aside) on economic policy is dismal. Its thesis--that US workers are being crushed by in a squeeze play by the American managerial class--is backed up by extensive references and research. If you are seeking a provocative look at the state of workers today, this book deserves your prompt attention.

Book Description

A prescient investigation of the most dramatic power shift in American history.

Customer Reviews:

A Must-Have Book to Read and Share.......1999-02-02

This book chronicles,(illustrated with the stories of the well-known and the not-so-well-known), the impact of women in and on a variety of careers/professions over the past several decades. I believe it is truly the most fascinating book to come along in awhile and it is a wonderful book to be able to discuss.

Wonderfully upbeat, women will find encouragement and reassurance. It all makes sense of what we've been living - and gives a pretty good road map of what works and what wastes career time. Men - of all types and attitudes - will also find it fascinating reading. Thankfully, most will smile and be encouraged that the rest of the world understands what they have all along. They'll be the ones saying - "Let me tell you about this Power Chick I work with."

I gave this book to my dad for Christmas. It led to many a great conversation. My mom, a very happy and traditional homemaker, saw it as a window into my life. And my younger sister read it while on a job hunting trip. It proved a terrific guide and buildup for confronting job interviews and head hunters. This book should be everyone's gift book of the year. You'll know they read it, because they'll want to talk with you about it.

An informative and interesting read on real power women........1998-08-24

Matt Towery has been able to compile a diversified group of real woman who have risen to powerful positions in almost every industry. This book tells their story in an factual way from their own point of view of how they rose to power.

It is very evident to see that there is a pattern that most of the women followed that is different than what men in similar positions seem to follow.

This book is a good guide for men to better understand woman in business as well as showcasing some very powerful people.

As a producer in television and film, I definately see Power Chicks has a future in other forms of the media as well in bringing these stories to the public.

I'm happy that I had the chance to read an advance copy and look forward to seeing this book rise to the top of the charts.

Randy Peskin Executive Producer

No male point of view, just the facts!.......1998-08-24

I fortunately had an opportunity to see an advance galley copy of POWER CHICKS.

Matt Towery has taken actual statements from some of the top ranking women in a variety of industries and in a clear, concise manner, organized their comments into an interesting account of their successes, featuring when, where, why and how they achieved their power.

This is not a mans point of view, but an authors recap and analysis of some of the common factors shared by those that have achieved.

Towery has hit on a subject that is timely and lends itself to not only follow up features, but is a perfect subject for other forms of media as well.

To Matt Towery, congradulations on a job well done!

John Ratzenberger

Actor, Director, Producer

President, FIDDLERS BAY ENTERTAINMEMT

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Powerchicks: How Women Will Dominate America
Matt Towery
Manufacturer: Longstreet, GA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000K8XSKQ

Book Description

This book constitutes the thoroughly revised post-conference proceedings of the Second International Conference on Financial Cryptography, FC '98, held in Anguilla, British West Indies, in February 1998.The 28 revised papers presented were carefully selected and improved beyond the versions presented at the meeting. The book presents the state of the art in research and development in financial cryptography and addresses all current topics such as electronic payment systems, digital cash, electronic commerce, digital signatures, payment transactions, revocation and validation, WWW commerce, trust management systems, and watermarking.

Customer Reviews:

Good book for speech-writing method.......2003-07-14

This book does a great job of presenting in simple and clear terms "how to write a speech." The method described is quite effective, as the authors recommend using implausible props to grab the audiences attention. In the past, I have unknowningly used this method and it is very effective.

The strengths of the book are that: 1) The method is simple and easy to follow; 2) The authors use a running example throughout the "how to," so in the end the reader has gone through an entire process of creating a speech. In this case, it is a speech that "John" will give at a PTA meeting. 3) The method is repeated several times, including a great summation in chapter 13. Thus, the reader is able to remember the method without taking many notes. 4) The book provides other useful tips on speechwriting, and has many examples of "props" to use for you speech.

This book is recommended to those that make a lot of speeches, as the method presented is one in which you can use it over and over and over...

Average customer rating:

Excellent

Reading it and loving it!

"Laid Off & Loving It" is an inspiring career motivator

A Great Read for Job Seekers Looking for a New Beginning

Laid Off & Loving It! How People Like You Conquered a Career Crisis
Paul David Madsen
Manufacturer: Growmedia.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Guides | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Job Hunting | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 097138360X

Book Description

Conquer your career crisis in style! Don't be "victimized" by job instability or a career shake-up! In this book you will learn the stories of people like you who responded successfully to abrupt or planned career-change events.

In today's volatile working world, it is in your best interst to keep your skills transferable. These narratives depict those who have done that and came out on top. The professionals described in the book have all landed on their feet after being laid off, fired, burned-out, bored, downsized, or forced into an early retirement that was too early.

Some of the people cleverly got rehired at their former employers or within their same industries. Others determined ways to land in a new career field or profitably apply their skills down a new occpuational avenue. Still others learned, through various methods, how they could launch a small enterprise which built on the connections, knowledge, and resources that they already possesed. You will learn about the origninal inspirations which gave them the courage, vision, and resources to act and succeed.

The book's lessons come to the reader in an easy-to-read narrative format that describes each individual's career/work situation. This method instructs readers in a manner that is much more interesting and effective than a boring "how to" list of information. The many nuggets of wisdom can be helpful to readers from most any occupational background or situation.

The book features people from teaching, medicine, law, corporate office, library science, broadcasting, military, executive, finance, information technology, sales, trade, clergy, and other backgrounds. Their transitions will inform and inspire readers to seek and find occupational options which can work in their own lives.

Included in the book is the Twenty-Minute Career Tune Up which enables readers to develop a quick snapshot of their occupational strengths and interests. That tool, which is used by the author in his private career coaching summits and individual career consulting, can help direct and focus the occupational improvement efforts of most people. It uses a guided brainstorming process that forces one to "drill down" and come up with strategic yet practical goals and plans. Also included are 101+ web sites that were of strategic help to the book's subjects.

If readers are amidst or considering a career, job, small business, or work-place transistion, Laid Off & Loving It! can be a very practical tool.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2003-07-21

This book is an excellent help for those in any possible career transition. It can affirm your current career choice or it can motivate you to make a change in your career when you need it. It is a wonderful tool to help you explore and imagine career options you never thought you had.

Reading it and loving it!.......2002-11-18

This book is like a breath of fresh air for those looking for a new job or considering a career change. The author's ideas are truly unique as well as motivating. I wish I would have had this book years ago.

"Laid Off & Loving It" is an inspiring career motivator.......2002-06-19

Paul David Madsen nearly makes major career changes, especially entrepreneurial moves, seem easy in "Laid Off & Loving It." The book is immensely inspiring, even to an individual such as myself who recently found a gratifying new job (I found that new position following some vital guidance from Madsen). The thought-provoking vignettes in which successful professionals need to make often abrupt career moves made me start to think of what really interests me and where my strengths lie, and how I could create my own lucrative business someday.

Not only are the stories inspiring, they also offer guidance as to how everyday people can become entrepreneurs. Useful Web sites, trade associations and helpful hints abound in the book.

Additionally, "Laid Off & Loving It" is an interesting and fun read, something most people would not expect in a career transition book. No one enjoys looking for a new job or career, but Madsen inspires the reader to consider a career change more an exciting challenge than a daunting task.

A Great Read for Job Seekers Looking for a New Beginning.......2001-10-16

What a relief to find a book that recognizes the complexity of finding the career that you REALLY want. The author's approach of telling short vignettes about people in transition makes the reading fast and informative! I especially appreciated the additional websites that Madsen provided at the end of each chapter.

Readers will definitely gain new insight into their career prospects. Madsen stresses taking what you know and thinking laterally about where your knowledge can be leveraged. Each chapter provides an example of how people like you and me succeed despite unwanted or unexpected career changes.

I've worked with the author in his capacity as a job coach and have found his services invaluable. As a professional that took a six year break from corporate life to raise my kids, I had to quickly shift gears after my husband was laid off. Madsen was key to helping me get my head back in the game. He's helped me formulate a great resume, winning cover letters, and perhaps most importantly, navigate the uncertain waters of interviewing and negotiating for the benefits and salary that we need.

In this book, Madsen has done a great job of translating his 20+ years in the headhunting experience into a usable resource for job seekers.

Book Description

We all talk abut "the system" but is it real? The Synthetic Beast argues that it is.

More than a hundred million years ago natural "systems" organized the lives of ants, termites and other insects. In the past ten thousand years some systems that started as human organizations -- including armies, religions, governments and even commercial corporations -- have evolved into the autonomous entities that author Andy Turnbull calls hypercorps.

The original organizations were formed by humans but hypercorps now control humans, and they have been the driving force behind most of human history.

The Synthetic Beast traces the evolution of hypercorps from ancient times to the present, and it shows how they have become even more powerful in the past hundred years. If they are not checked they will some day control us as completely as the system of the colony controls ants.

And we don't want to stop them because large organizations created the world we know, and only large organizations can maintain it. Through the years hypercorps have given us slavery, famines, plagues and war but they have also enabled men to create the pyramids, modern medicine and other benefits of the modern world.

Ten thousand years ago our ancestors could live well as hunters and gatherers, but we can't.

The Synthetic Beast concedes that we have to accept the rule of hypercorps but it argues that we have to learn more about their nature, and how to control them.

There really is a "they" out there, and "they" really are out to get us. The Synthetic Beast shows how we can make sure they don't.

Book Description

no description

Book Description

The Caribbean countries of Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad-Tobago represent excellent examples of the increasingly important role played by Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in less developed, micro-economies. The increased dependence of these countries on FDI, however, calls to question the attractiveness of the business environment of the region to the foreign investor. This volume examines both the investment behaviour and corporate strategies operating in these three countries, and assesses the factors which influence the motivations, location choices and market entry mode of multinationals making investment in the Caribbean. The degree to which these are shaped by the timing of the investment decision, the type of FDI - market-seeking, resource-seeking or export-seeking - and the country of origin of the investor is also explored. By drawing on core case studies and the use of quantitative analysis, the author highlights key issues relating to corporate strategy and investment behaviour of Multinational Enterprises in the economies of less industrialised countries, including: · public policy · strategic management · human resource development, institutional reform and infrastructural upgrading.

Download Description

By drawing on core case-studies and the use of quantitative analysis, the author highlights key issues relating to corporate strategy and investment behaviour of Multinational Enterprises in the economies of less industrialized countries.

Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Development: Lessons from Six Emerging Economies

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Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Development: Lessons from Six Emerging Economies
Stephen Thomsen
Manufacturer: Organization for Economic Cooperation & Devel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Development & Growth | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Economic Policy & Development | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

International | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This study examines the link between FDI and development in six dynamic non-Member economies: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. These countries have all adopted different policies towards FDI in the past, but to a great extent they are all converging on a more open approach. This greater openness, and the overall economic reforms of which FDI liberalisation is but one part, will provide a more fertile environment in which to reap the potential benefits from FDI. FDI can play a key role in improving the capacity of the host country to respond to the opportunities offered by global economic integration, a goal increasingly recognised as one of the key aims of any development strategy. In an environment made more competitive by a decade of economic reforms, many restrictions to FDI in these host countries are at best ineffective and at worst counter-productive.

A panel analysis of bilateral FDI flows to emerging economies [An article from: Economic Systems]

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A panel analysis of bilateral FDI flows to emerging economies [An article from: Economic Systems]
M. Frenkel , K. Funke , and G. Stadtmann
Manufacturer: Elsevier
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000RQZWNC

Book Description

This digital document is a journal article from Economic Systems, published by Elsevier in 2004. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Description:
We examine the determinants of FDI flows to emerging economies by analyzing a recently compiled data set of bilateral FDI flows. Using a panel approach, we investigate both home and host country factors that may play an important role in determining the level and the destination of FDI flows. On the home country side of the FDI flows, we focus on the five largest economies worldwide. On the host country side, we study a number of emerging economies in Asia, Latin American, and Central and Eastern Europe.

The two South Koreas: an emerging love-hate relationship with direct foreign investment. : An article from: The International Economy

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The two South Koreas: an emerging love-hate relationship with direct foreign investment. : An article from: The International Economy
Edward M. Graham
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000C5U9NQ
Release Date: 2005-11-15

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The International Economy, published by Thomson Gale on June 22, 2005. The length of the article is 2427 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The two South Koreas: an emerging love-hate relationship with direct foreign investment.
Author: Edward M. Graham
Publication: The International Economy (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 22, 2005
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 19 Issue: 3 Page: 22(5)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

World market integration through the lens of foreign direct investors [An article from: Journal of International Economics]

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World market integration through the lens of foreign direct investors [An article from: Journal of International Economics]
R. Albuquerque , N. Loayza , and L. Serven
Manufacturer: Elsevier
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000RR4RMS

Book Description

This digital document is a journal article from Journal of International Economics, published by Elsevier in 2005. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Description:
This paper is motivated by the unparalleled increase in foreign direct investment to emerging market economies of the last 25 years. Using a large cross-country time-series data set, we evaluate the dependence of foreign direct investment on global factors, or worldwide sources of risk (i.e., factors that drive foreign direct investment across several countries). We construct a globalization measure that equals the share of explained variation in direct investment attributable to global factors. We show that our globalization measure has increased steadily for developing and developed countries. For the full sample of countries, the globalization measure rose by over 10-fold from 1985 to 1999. Furthermore, in recent years, developing countries' exposure to global factors has approached that of developed countries. Finally, our globalization measure correlates strongly with measures of capital market liberalization, supporting our hypothesis that increased market integration leads to a greater role for worldwide sources of risk. We discuss the implications of our results for public policies regarding capital market liberalization and policies directed at attracting foreign investment.

Discussion paper series / Center for International Enterprise Development

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Discussion paper series / Center for International Enterprise Development
Stephen P Ferris
Manufacturer: Center for International Enterprise Development, Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | International | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006P6GA2

Foreign Direct Investment in Emerging Economies: Corporate Strategy an

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Foreign Direct Investment in Emerging Economies: Corporate Strategy an
Lou Anne A. Barclay
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0203463110

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