Outsourcing the American Dream: Pain and Pleasure in the Era of Downsizing [Paperback]

Christopher England (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 11, 2001

Outsourcing the American Dream addresses an interesting paradox: in a time of unprecedented prosperity, why have millions of Americans lost faith in their ability to prosper? Why do millions of Americans fail to achieve financial abundance in a nation where unlimited economic opportunity abounds? Todays business environment is chaotic, to say the least continually shifting political and social conditions, market dislocations, rapid technological obsolescence, and turbulent international competition. The most common response to such fragmentary business patterns has been corporate downsizing. Numerous corporations have indiscriminately cut layers of management and technical expertise to reduce corporate costs, strengthen share price, or take advantage of technological advances. In Outsourcing the American Dream, the author argues the number one reason for all business failures in America is the lack of bold, decisive, and visionary leadership in business and government. Based on his first-hand experience and research, Outsourcing the American Dream explores the often devastating consequences of corporate mismanagement and downsizing; offers innovative solutions for leaders in business and government; and candidly discusses the individuals own responsibility for job security and career satisfaction. Outsourcing the American Dream offers something for anyone seeking to take control of his or her own life and destiny.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

CHRISTOPHER M. ENGLAND, a finance and marketing professional, is an accomplished management and process improvement consultant. His audiences range from senior executives to middle managers, from seasoned professionals to entry-level support staff. He has an MBA in Organizational Leadership and Management and resides in Pickerington, OH.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: IUniverse (October 11, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595201482
• ISBN-13: 978-0595201488
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,343,113 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A trend that can personally affect just about any worker, June 5, 2002

By 

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

This review is from: Outsourcing the American Dream: Pain and Pleasure in the Era of Downsizing (Paperback)

Outsourcing The American Dream: Pain And Pleasure In The Era Of Downsizing by finance and marketing consultant Christopher M. England is a straightforward, critically revealing examination of the effect that the widespread business practice of downsizing for cost management is having on American industries and the general American economy. Individual chapters address everything from the psychology of downsizing (including its drawbacks), and the tangled role of the government-- which can either amplify problems or be part of the solution. Outsourcing The American Dream is an authoritatively written, well-researched, provocatively presented, no-holds-barred look at a trend that can personally affect just about any worker at any business or corporation in today's volatile and globally competitive marketplace.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars International Libertarian agrees with Economic Premise, March 10, 2004

By 

Eric Dondero, Author, Worldwide Phrase Book (Angleton, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Outsourcing the American Dream: Pain and Pleasure in the Era of Downsizing (Paperback)

Outsourcing the American Dream by Christopher M. England is a perfect book both for workers and employers. England stresses long term solutions in our modern services/information economy over short-term gains. He details how modern companies, sadly went only for the quick profits in the 90's and are now suffering as a result of exporting their core businesses. His prescription for job-seeking Americans who may have been downsized or are currently under-employed - Adaptability with a Capitol 'A'. But this is far more than just a book about jobs. England delves into the political side and sees expanding government regulations, our increasingly government-dependent culture, and our mushrooming debt as the main reasons for the downturn in the economy. England is also a bit of a philosopher brilliantly weaving in appropriate quotes from famous figures from history throughout the text like Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, Einstein and Henry Ford. One quote particularly stands out, "It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the most responsive to change," - Charles Darwin. Appropriately, a proud American Bald Eagle on the front cover. Expertly written and edited. -- Eric Dondero, Author, Worldwide Multilingual Phrase Book

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book Explaining the Economy of Today, September 8, 2010

By 

Marilyn Meredith "Author of Lingering Spirit,... (Springville, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Outsourcing the American Dream: Pain and Pleasure in the Era of Downsizing (Paperback)

Author England's coverage of the corporate world and what its problems were at the time of writing the book, may have also uncovered some of the reasons the economy has gone downhill. He covers what happens both to the company and the person when downsizing begins. In the beginning of the book he states, "Many organizations in their efforts to cut out the fat, often cut out the muscle as well."

Throughout the book he points out the problems in the operations of corporations both on a global level and specifically--then he goes on to describe what could be the solutions. There's also an excellent outline for what the government should be doing to change what's happening in our country today.

This would be an excellent book for anyone running any kind of business--and those in charge in our government.