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

by Christopher England (Author) "Downsizing may reduce corporate costs and take advantage of technological advances, but it has its dangers..." (more)
Key Phrases: voluntary turnover rates, right working environment, physical work environment, American Dream, Leadership Team, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
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? Today’s 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 individual’s 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.

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; illustrated edition edition (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: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,891,665 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 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

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Mighty Eagle is floundering!, July 4, 2005

By	Allbooks Review (Canada) - See all my reviews

Genre: Business
Title: Outsourcing the American Dream
Author: Christopher M. England
The Mighty Eagle is floundering, why?- because the wind beneath its wings is being eliminated. The Mighty Eagle, corporate America, is eliminating it's most valuable asset, its employees in order to save money. Without the wind, the Eagle will fall!
Author, Christopher England is concerned with the effect that downsizing is having on our economy, our corporations and our future. Immediate short- term gain is not the answer to long- term effectiveness, emphasizes the author. An excellent read for employers and employees, covering many concerns of both. The book discusses how Government regulations and the growing debt are influencing our lives and threatening our economic future. It expounds the issues of exporting our manufacturing and how countries like Japan and China have capitalized on our failures.
England believes in the "Maslow approach." Only a secure staff will give one hundred percent to its employer; personnel that experience a lack of job security will be more concerned with their mortgage payments than their performance. People become fearful during downsizing; their very security is threatened. Corporate America must rethink downsizing and outsourcing.
An in-depth, well researched look at today's business practices, with an injection of philosophy thrown in. The author quotes many historical figures: Machiavelli, Sun Tzu and Einstein as well as many others throughout the book adding confirmation from the ages. Christopher England has an MBA in Organizational Leadership and is a finance and marketing consultant. He understands his subject well and has given a comprehensive look at something that affects all of us. Highly recommended by Allbooks Reviews' reviewer Shirley Roe.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars International Libertarian agrees with Economic Premise, March 11, 2004

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

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