Off-Shoring the Middle Class: Managing White-Collar Job Migration to Asia (Paperback)

by Steve Mushero (Author)
Key Phrases: job migration, sending jobs, wage insurance, Silicon Valley, New York, San Francisco (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Globalization and the off-shoring of middle-class jobs will be one of the most important forces shaping the 21st Century. Accelerating job migration is already permanently altering nearly every one of the world's economies, typically leaving Western workers anxious about how to compete. For instance, just when Mr. and Mrs. Middle Class have finished school, gotten good jobs, had their kids, and bought their house, they find their jobs are exported to China or India. Destined to become a guidebook to thriving in the 21st Century, Off-Shoring the Middle Class outlines the prompt action required on many levels as governments, corporations, and individuals are all drawn into the battle to remain competitive, to move up the value chain, and to succeed in a world gone flat. "Off-Shoring the Middle Class" explains how off-shoring affects society and workers at every level and outlines a course of action for each, including a mix of better public policy, more innovation, more relevant education, and substantially expanded entrepreneurship, following the Silicon Valley model.

Product Details

• Paperback: 316 pages
• Publisher: Virtualbookworm.com Publishing (August 23, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1589399137
• ISBN-13: 978-1589399136
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,581,142 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling read, July 16, 2007

By	armchairinterviews.com (Minnesota) - See all my reviews

Off-shoring the Middle Class has a fundamental premise: globalization is beneficial to everyone and is here to stay. Mushero argues that while our government may try to "protect" us with trade barriers, globalization will eventually catch up with us. The question is how prepared will we be when it finally comes. He argues that protectionist measures end up hurting all countries--especially those that institute these measures.

After the "gloom-and-doom" message, Mushero outlines the main competitive advantages that we have, and suggests areas where these advantages can be leveraged in world trade. The first few chapters outline the issues as Mushero sees them. The bulk of the book focuses on government policies that Mushero believes would leverage our natural advantages, and the last couple of chapters outline what corporations and individuals need to effectively compete in a global marketplace.

The case for global free trade is very compelling. The benefits of free trade percolate to all--people in developing and those in the developed nations. Those trying to restrict free trade tend to focus on specific industries and worry about how our share of the global pie of goods and services is shrinking. What these advocates discount is that world trade also increases the size of the entire pie (new markets and expanded markets as more of the world's population demands goods and services that once were luxuries).

Some of Musharo's assertions cause one to question his argument. For example, Musharo says that most Americans see globalization as taking jobs away from us. The assertion extends to individuals, politicians, and organizations (such as unions and professional groups). While this may have been true in the 1970s, we are now more aware of global issues, and hence better able to evaluate the impact of globalization.

Off-shoring the Middle Class makes a strong case for globalization and the salient assumptions are basically sound. Most readers are likely to see Mushero's point of view and would probably take exception with some points of his argument, hence may not agree with some of his suggestions. Overall, his argument has merit and at least opens the door for further discussion.

Armchair Interviews says: Unique look at something that affects all of us.

5.0 out of 5 stars Elaborates upon the critical issues, July 8, 2007

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Written by global technologist Steve Mushero, Off-Shoring the Middle Class: Managing White-Collar Job Migration to Asia deserves to be a bookshelf companion to Thomas Friedman's "The World is Flat", as it elaborates upon the critical issues that Friedman merely outlines: how can Americans and America as a whole succeed in the modern era rife with globalization, offshoring, and the increasing migration of jobs overseas? Like Friedman, Mushero emphasizes that globalization is here to stay; Mushero adopts a strictly practical approach to coping with its effects, emphasizing the importance entrepreneurship, innovation, free-trade, global management, and the cultivation of flexibility. Chapters discuss everything from protectionism to intellectual property protection to bridging global cultural and language divides, the individual's role and much more. "If it's not already clear, individuals must realize that no one deserves a job, let alone a high salary. The notion that Americans deserve the best jobs and income reflects a myopic view of the world that is dangerous, both to them and the world at large when such views stray into the realm of political action. Such attitudes also hide the underlying malaise, thereby preventing any substantial discussion or progress towards a solution." Highly recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars An innovative and relevant book, June 26, 2007

By	Reader Views "www.readerviews.com" (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews

Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (6/07)

Steve Mushero, in "Off-Shoring the Middle Class," takes an in-depth look into the off-shoring of white collar service jobs in all aspects. He looks at the current situation and presents an analysis of potential solutions. He carefully examines various options open to the American entrepreneurs and government economists.

Modern economics is at a crossroads. Mushero begins by showing the current status of the American white collar job movement to Asia and the forces at work impacting this movement. I found the chapter on Educational Globalization especially significant. As the US is losing leadership in scientific circles there is a related impact on research and development and cutting edge technology.

Mushero gives specific illustrations to demonstrate the cost cutting effect of off-shoring services in the manufacturing, entertainment, and white collar clerical industries. He then goes on to highlight the high cost of doing nothing to offset the trend of globalization in the job market.

Rising unemployment, psychological effects on American workers and wage deflation are among the costly results. Long-term challenges that go with lower wages include a lower tax base and the impact this will have on pensions and social security benefits.

Steve's analysis of the benefits of off-shoring adds a positive note to negative arguments of protectionists, anti-globalizers, and nationalists. He describes the fundamental challenge this way: "The challenge then is to move to, or even create, markets where Americans can thrive or perhaps even dominate the foreign competition."

This will require concerted efforts at three levels: governments, corporations, and individuals. Innovation and invention must become the new watchwords to fulfilling the American dream. According to Mushero, "...cultural awareness is the capstone of globalizing the population."

Today, off-shoring effects society at every level. Steve Mushero suggests a course of action for public policy, innovative education, and creative entrepreneurship. Following the policies and principles set forth in this book will point government, corporations, and individuals on the road to competing in the 21st Century. Steve closes the book with which will encourage the reader to never underestimate the importance of education, preparation, flexibility, and hard work.

Steve Mushero is fast becoming the authoritative voice on off-shoring. As Steve continues to gain recognition, "Off-Shoring the Middle Class" is destined to become accepted as the guidebook on off-shoring. The book is well articulated, important and timely, a must read for every white collar worker in America.